Rudra
Item
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Score title
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Rudra
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Composer
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Akira Nishimura
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Program note
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As the theme instrument of the 19th annual concert of "Groupe des Quatre et ses ami(e)" organized by Zen-On Music in 2012, a brass instrument was fixed upon. When I knew it, I thought that with this chance, I should try to compose a piece for the euphonium that I was almost unfamiliar with. At the same time, I decided that I would dedicate the piece to the world-class euphoniumist Shoichiro Hokazono whom I also wanted to ask to give the first performance of the work. Fortunately, he willingly consented to my request. Besides, for the piano part, I could obtained consent from Takehiko Yamada who had fascinated me with his excellent musicality and creative expression.
Before writing my work, I began with learning about the euphonium to study etudes for advanced players. I found out that the euphonium has the outstanding capability in terms of mobility and a range, and I decided to write a piece which uses the full efficiency of the instrument. As the result, my work became difficult to play.
The title Rudra means a Hindu deity of destruction and regeneration, who is equated with Shiva, one of the three most influential Hindu deities. The name implies roaring and crying. The deity controls powerful storms in South Asia. He not only shakes the air and destroys the land but also brings the productiveness of grain.
This piece is a song of praise to Rudra. At the end of the work, a short prayer in d minor appears and it is repeated intermittently.
Akira NISHIMURA
Akira Nishimura