Hatsushigure(First Shower in Late Autumn, SATB)

Composer：Kikuko Maruo

Words from Composer:

I composed this piece using a haiku by Matsuo Basho, in order to explore the possibilities of vocal expression and to make an acoustically interesting piece that feels space. This haiku was composed during the first shower in the mountains over Iga, on his return home after his journey “Oku no Hosomichi” (The Narrow Road Trip to the Deep North.) 

In 2014, I came across “Haiku no Ehon” (written in hiragana) by Toshio Suzuki. While looking at the pictures, the musical idea for the piece gradually came to me and I became absorbed in composing it. It was a different feeling from the impression I got from the kanji characters for “初時雨(Hatsushigure)” “猿(Saru),” and “小蓑(Komino).” It was premiered by harmonia ensemble at the “21st Kyo no Kai Work Presentation Concert” held at the Hyogo Performing Arts Center in June 2016. The work is suitable also for small ensembles. I would be happy if the choir could enjoy singing it in various ways.