DA•MA•SHI•E
About this Piece
This was composed for the 1985 solo album α-BET-CITY and performed in a small ensemble, but after that, it was completed as an orchestral work for the album Minima _Rhythm in 2009.
The entire piece consists of a combination of about eight phrases generated from the motif played by the first violins at the beginning. In addition, the key changes between A major and B-flat major due to the heavy blows of brass instruments, which changes the overall color. In the second half, the combination of eight motifs is joined by a brass chorale, creating a long-lasting ending. It’s a very lively and positive music.
The title was inspired by M.C. Escher. This is because I sympathized with his style, which is logical and humorous, rather than his specific paintings. —Joe Hisaishi