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Yamada, Kōsaku : Song without words

Work Overview

Music ID : 81504
Instrumentation:Piano Solo 
Genre:romance
Total Playing Time:3 min 00 sec
Copyright:Needs Research

Commentary (2)

Author : Sugiura, Nanako

Last Updated: April 14, 2024
[Open]
Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

Composed in 1909.

Based on the autograph manuscript Ms.1057 and the engraver's copy Bc.136 (both held at the Museum of Modern Music), Yamada Kōsaku: Piano Works Miscellany Vol. 1 'Early Works in Classical Style' (Commentary: Akatsuki Takaku, Edited and Collated: Nanako Sugiura) was published by Muse Press in 2022.

It is believed that Yamada, who admired Mendelssohn, composed this piece under his influence. In 6/8 time, marked Langsam.

Writer: Sugiura, Nanako

Author : Sugiura, Nanako

Last Updated: April 14, 2024
[Open]
Note: This article is automatically translated from the original Japanese text. The author of the original work did not supervise this translation.

Performance Tips

At the opening marked 'dolce', play the melody sweetly and expressively, as if singing a 'song without words'. While frequent dynamic markings are a characteristic feature of Yamada's scores, observe the essential points without being overly swayed by the literal markings; instead, feel the broader flow and sing naturally.

In the middle section, from measure 17, the time signature changes to 4/8, and the triplet figures create a sense of urgency, a stark contrast to the preceding tranquility. Against this backdrop, the melody is played with a rich sound of double stops and chords. Here, one should strive to deliver a passionate song. From measure 28 in the recapitulation, a sense of relief will be felt as tranquility is restored. Crescendos, diminuendos, and dynamic markings are also fewer than at the beginning; by surrendering to the quiet, undulating waves and savoring the beautiful melody that reappears, one can experience the unique sense of happiness inherent in Yamada's lyrical miniatures of this kind.

Writer: Sugiura, Nanako

Sheet Music

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