Symphony No. IV: Bookmarks from Japan

I. Fuji-san - “Mt. Fuji”

Grade 4
for concert band
by Julie Giroux

Based on the bookmark “Fine Wind, Clear Morning” by Hokusai Katsushika which is a woodblock sketch from Hokusai’s collection “Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji.”

PROGRAM NOTES

The sketch “Fine Wind, Clear Morning” (Gaifu kaisei), also known as South Wind, Clear Sky or Red Fuji, by Hokusai Katsushika is the inspiration for this work which is subtitled “Fuji-san.” In early autumn when, as the original sketch title specifies, the wind is southerly and the sky is clear, the rising sun can turn Mount Fuji red. Fuji-san has many different looks depending on the viewer’s vantage point, time of year, weather and even time of day. Big, bold and easily recognized, yet shrouded in mystery and lore, Mount Fuji offers a multitude of inspirational facets. This piece is based on one view of Mt. Fuji covered in mist and low clouds which slowly burn off as the day progresses. Orchestration and composition techniques follow this scenario starting off with mysterious, unfocused scoring. As the piece progresses, the scoring gets more focused and bold with the final statement representing Fuji-san in a totally clear view.

MP 99107
Duration: 2:50
Score & Parts: $60.00
Score only: $16.00

I. Fuji-san - “Mt. Fuji”
II. Nihonbashi - “Bridge Market”
III. The Great Wave off Kanagawa “The Life of One Wave”
IV. Kinryu-zan Sensoji “Thunder Gate”
V. Evening Snow at Kambara “Light is the Touch”
VI. Hakone - “Drifting”