What, How, and for Whom

What do I compose? How do I compose? These are questions that any composer will deal with alone throughout their lives. But the question: for Whom? is often even more complicated. For yourself? For the dead? Or simply for commission? How am I to compose a piece for world peace? In the end it doesn’t help peace much, but remains merely as self-aggrandizement.

Why did I think of peace while writing “Fantasy – Ode to Joy” for the brass orchestra of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Forces (JGSDF)? The JGSDF are very important. Unlike us composers, the soldiers deal very directly with natural disasters and war.

The large brass orchestra of 65 soldiers, all professional musicians, not only play marching music but also rock, folk, and classic. After the Second World War, founding a new military in Japan was very controversial. Even today, many Japanese oppose its existence. The mistakes made in WWII must not be repeated. My own wish for preserving the 71-year peace has found its expression in this composition of mine.

The new CD was published under the label brain music records. The premiere will be on January 9th, 2017 at Hyogo Performing Arts Center. On January 8th there will also be a public rehearsal at the same location.

„Fantasy – Ode to Joy“ for large brass orchestra and soprano, UA, commissioned by the JGSDF
January 9th, 2017, 11:00 am
Hyogo Performing Arts Center
JGSDF Music Festival
Brass orchestra of the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) Middle Army. Higuchi Takahiro: conductor, Mai Tsugumi: soprano
January 8th, 2017, 6:00 pm, public dress rehearsal, Hyogo Performing Arts Center
CD: BOCD-7613 Brain Music