Grandma’s Tart

Composer:Kentaro Shuto

Words from composer

I was invited to participate in a project featuring five original Christmas stories, each followed by lyrics set to music by different composers. The stories and poems were written by Minori Minazuki. The premiere performance was given by conductor Keishi Ito and the choir Budo no Ki at the choir’s 25th anniversary concert on December 23, 2023.

I was assigned to compose music for “Grandma’s Tart,” with the sung portion focusing on the “fig tart” that serves as a central symbol in the short story. The poem moves across different scenes and transcends time, weaving together Christmas, past memories, the fig growing environment, tart ingredients, and the emotions conveyed throughout the short story. As I read the story and imagined the poetic content, I somehow sensed an anime-like vibe (pop and slice-of-life style). I felt an upbeat, cute melody with frequently changing scenes—like an anime opening theme—would be most appropriate, and composed accordingly.

Performance notes:

The entire piece should maintain a steady tempo without arbitrary slowing or rushing (though natural, subtle dynamic fluctuations are fine). Please note the frequent changes in musical style and meter.

For the piano part, the left hand simultaneously functions as electric bass and bass drum (kick), while the right hand serves a snare drum-like role. Given these characteristics, please be precise about rests and articulation.

The choir should prioritize clear diction, maintain a generally bright tone, and emphasize the beat. Due to the fast tempo, consider using unvoiced consonants where appropriate, such as the “ki” in “chikazuite kitara.”

“Five Christmas Srories”
for SATB Chorus and Piano
1. The Apple Tree Who Wished to Be a Christmas Tree
2. Grandma’s Tart
3. A Sleepless Christmas Night
4. The Drunken Reindeer
5. The Owl Who Loves Carols