program notes by composition > Y > Yagi-Bushi
Yagi-Bushi – Japanese Folk Song
arranged by Naohiro Iwai
Yagi-Bushi is a traditional Japanese dance and folk song from the Gunma Prefecture and has been arranged for band by Naohiro Iwai, a member of the Tokyo Kosei Wind Orchestra. The traditional dance consists of dancers with broad hats called kasa going in a counterclockwise circle around a mikoshi (portable Shinto shrine). The dance is very energetic and ends with everyone throwing their hats in the air. This Western look at a Japanese melody, with stark rhythmic treatments, includes a lyrical clarinet/saxophone/euphonium melody as a beautiful contrast to the ensemble rhythmic punches.
Last updated on July 19, 2023 by Palatine Concert Band
