平和獅子 (HEIWA JISHI)

Mende Ryuzan - Shakuhachi
Joseph Myoushin Sanger - Shakuhachi
Piece composed by Joseph Myoushin Sanger
Performed at Mende Ryuzan's concert on April 27th, 2024 at Hatsukaichi Cultural Hall, Hiroshima.
The simple translation of the title is "Peace Lion", but the JISHI (or SHISHI) is more like a mythical creature inspired by a lion. Statues of pairs of SHISHI are often seen outside temples or shrines in Japan, guarding against evil spirits. My teacher, Mende-sensei, suggested the title after we discussed the imagery within the piece.
This was my first experience of writing for the shakuhachi, in fact my first experience of committing notes to paper in this way at all, having spent most of my life as an improvising musician. It was nerve-racking and overwhelming, but I'm very proud of the result, and extremely grateful to Mende-sensei for the opportunity.

[@SuzieHanna]

Fantastic!!

[@hannahsandersfolk5075]

this is absolutely beautiful Jo. This is the very definition of musical simpatico. Brava.

[@myoushin_shakuhachi]

@@hannahsandersfolk5075 Hannah, that means so much to me! Thank you.

[@jonchandler27]

sublime

[@myoushin_shakuhachi]

Thanks so much, Jon! We should catch up sometime.