Siegmund Andraschek

Sakura

Commissioned by the "Steirischer Blasmusikverband". Premiere on January 6, 2016 by the" LJBO Steiermark", conductor: Wolfgang Jud, "Grazer Stefaniensaal"
Cross-Over - with a touch of "Viennese music" - this minimal requirement of the client was to become the conceptual framework of this work and finally the work "Sakura, variations on a japanese folk song." was created. The concept includes several subjective approaches to the word "cross-over", and thus includes not only musical but also extra-musical aspects in the composition.
The culturally significant Japanese cherry blossom (sakura) begins in Japan in mid-March in Kyūshū and then "migrates" to the northeast until it arrives in Hokkaidō around the beginning of May. It stands for beauty (1), departure (2) and transience (3). In this composition, however, the cherry blossom begins its journey westwards in the form of the Japanese folk song of the same name.

(1) On the journey, religiously associated musical forms of expression such as the Buddhist "Ohm" are effortlessly combined with Gregorian chants to create a harmonious unity.
(2) In a kind of "pollination ceremony" supported by two cajons (which MUST be positioned to the right and left of the conductor!), the melody gradually blends with Latin American sounds. After a brief unexpected interruption in which a union with typical features of Viennese music is accomplished, the folk song theme merges more and more with Latin American rhythms into a unity before this
(3) is stopped and seemingly destroyed by an incredible violence, cruel as it can only be exercised by human hands and can never be described by music.\r

But destruction and violence do not prevent the cherry blossom from starting its journey again and everything starts all over again.
Despite all the seriousness that any subject matter can offer, the composer is always keen to include moments in his works that can certainly be seen with a certain "wink". However, they have to be discovered first and do not reveal themselves. But they are there ;).
As in life, enlightenment cannot be found in this piece if you take everything too seriously, it is the mixture - a cross-over of seriousness and fun - while maintaining respect that can create the right approach to the piece.

Attention: 2 cajons positioned to the right and left of the conductor.