OBOG Wind Symphony - Japanese Suite op. 33 [World Premiere]

Concert Title: 発見 HAKKEN 2019
Date: 21 April 2019 (Sun)
Time: 5pm
Venue: Victoria Concert Hall
Japanese Suite Op. 33 [World Premiere]
by Gustav Holst,
arr. Jan Bosveld
Performed by OBOG Wind Symphony
Conductor: Mr Lim Yean Hwee
Written in 1915 for orchestra, this suite of six tunes was composed in collaboration with Japanese dancer and choreographer Michio Ito. Ito was appearing at the London Coliseum - the largest theatre in London's West End - and wanted to dance to a work derived from traditional Japanese tunes. Holst didn't know any tunes, and has Ito whistle several to him.
The results of that collaboration have been arranged into four short dances. The first, Ceremonial Dance, is marked by the appearance of a solemn brass fanfare. It is followed by sprightly Dance of the Maeionette, introduced by the glockenspiel and piccolo. A slow transition into the lyrical prelude Song of the Fishermen by the brasses, before a solo flute, harp and triangle introduce Dance under the Cherry Tree. An abrupt tempo change marks the finale Dance of the Wolves.
This transcription commissioned by Mr Lim Yean Hwee and world premiered by OBOG Wind Symphony.