Tokuyama, Minako : JO NO MAI
Work Overview
Genre:Various works
Total Playing Time:5 min 20 sec
Commentary (2)
Author : Sugiura, Nanako
Last Updated: March 26, 2020
[Open]
Author : Sugiura, Nanako
About the Composition
This work, composed upon commission from pianist Kotaro Fukuma, is inspired by Shoen Uemura's painting "Jo no Mai". Based on the temporal structure of Noh theater, "Jo-Ha-Kyu" (Introduction, Development, Climax), this piece was praised for its delicacy by the French newspaper Le Monde. Its premiere took place on June 18, 2018, in Kyoto, performed by the commissioner and dedicatee, Kotaro Fukuma himself.
Author : Sugiura, Nanako
Last Updated: March 26, 2020
[Open]
Author : Sugiura, Nanako
Performance Tips
According to composer Mr. Tokuyama, when performing this piece, it is crucial to feel and express the "presence" between notes and between measures, as well as the "ma" (space/interval), "tame" (hesitation/preparation), and "kiai" (spirit/energy) that emerge from the blank spaces of a painting.
Rather than the light movements of someone wearing Western clothes, imagine the gestures of Noh theater or kimono. If you perform feeling meaning in each movement, it will lead to a performance filled with tension and spirit. Furthermore, the harmonic changes should evoke changes in light illuminating a room; moments such as gently swaying light or the landscape darkening by one shade due to a downlight should also be cherished.
Mr. Tokuyama also states that the final moment of the piece, just before turning over the sleeve, and the section where a crescendo is made without sounding notes, require greater dignity along with "kiai" (spirit/energy).