BEYOND THE HORIZON
Composed in 2006 during a turning point in the composer’s life, this piece is inspired by the scenic Beppu Bay (Japan) and symbolizes a journey toward the future. After a prelude that recalls dawn, the music tells of departure, challenges, solitude, and hope. An open score that invites each performer to tell their own story through sound.
Description
Composed in early 2006 for the Nishi-Fukuoka Junior High School Band (Japan), Novellette No. 2 follows Novellette, written for the same ensemble the previous year.
The piece does not depict a specific story: the composer intentionally left interpretive freedom to each performer, encouraging them to imagine and shape their own narrative. However, he titled the work Beyond the Horizon, inspired by a personal memory.
While composing the piece, the composer moved from his hometown of Fukuoka to Oita Prefecture to become the conductor of the Oita Prefectural Police Band. From a hill overlooking Beppu Bay — one of his favorite places — he felt a deep connection between his own life transition and the desire to guide students on a symbolic “journey into the future.”
The structure is simple: a prelude evoking dawn opens the piece, followed by a theme that signals the departure. A dynamic and joyful musical journey begins, though not without its challenges and uncertainties, reflected in the 7/8 meter and frequent tempo shifts. The central section expresses feelings of solitude or confusion, but ultimately gives way to a sense of hope and determination.
The piece does not depict a specific story: the composer intentionally left interpretive freedom to each performer, encouraging them to imagine and shape their own narrative. However, he titled the work Beyond the Horizon, inspired by a personal memory.
While composing the piece, the composer moved from his hometown of Fukuoka to Oita Prefecture to become the conductor of the Oita Prefectural Police Band. From a hill overlooking Beppu Bay — one of his favorite places — he felt a deep connection between his own life transition and the desire to guide students on a symbolic “journey into the future.”
The structure is simple: a prelude evoking dawn opens the piece, followed by a theme that signals the departure. A dynamic and joyful musical journey begins, though not without its challenges and uncertainties, reflected in the 7/8 meter and frequent tempo shifts. The central section expresses feelings of solitude or confusion, but ultimately gives way to a sense of hope and determination.
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