Haiku is a Japanese form of poetry comprised of three lines of five, seven, and five syllables. Jerry Estes has crafted a set of four short pieces set to original haiku... one for each season of the year. All are beautiful in their simplicity. Well suited for Orff accompaniment; bells and rhythm instrument parts are included in the publication. An outstanding learning and performing piece for 2-part choirs. A delicate melody swirls and twirls like drifting snow in this tasteful arrangement of a traditional Japanese school song "Yuki". The three short Japanese phrases (and several English words) are easy-to-learn and bring to mind icy images of wintertime. "Uji River" is the most unique multicultural piece you will sing this year. A primarily English text tells the spectacular story of an ancient Japanese fishing tradition on the Uji River. And a traditional Asian folk melody floats above a gentle koto-like piano. Magical for treble voices, and highly effective when TB singers sound like fishermen. Tsuki means "moon," and is one of just a few Japanese words sung in this pentatonic scale-based song. Other words describe the beauty of the Japanese moon throughout the year. A captivating and memorable piece. |
