Reframing Mount Fuji

Instrumentation: Full Orchestra (WW: 3.2.3.2 / Br: 4.3.3.1 / Str: 8.8.6.6.2 / Timp / 3 Percussion)

Percussion Specifics:

Percussion 1

- Vibraphone (bowed) - Snare Drum
- Glockenspiel
- Crotales

- Tam-Tam - Marimba

Percussion 2

- Sizzle Cymbal - Bass Drum
- Marimba
- Chimes

- Suspended Cymbal - Tam-Tam

Percussion 3

- Suspended Cymbal - Tam-Tam
- Sizzle Cymbal
- Bass Drum

- Xylophone
- Chimes
- Crash Cymbal

Duration: 7:45

Program Notes: “Reframing Mount Fuji” is inspired by the first two woodblock prints from Katsushika Hokusai’s Thirty-six Views of Mount Fuji (1830-1832). I fell in love with the various ways that Mount Fuji is presented in these prints, as it really shows the difference and importance of perspective. Hokusai plays with visual hierarchy in the series, changing the location of the mountain and scenery around it each time. Mount Fuji is the tallest peak in Japan, and depending on how it’s portrayed, it can be highlighted in all its grandeur or simply hidden in the distance. This idea of perspective, specifically the progression of the first print to the second print, is really what inspired this piece.

The first print of this series is my mom’s favorite piece of art, The Great Wave off Kanagawa. Despite Mount Fuji’s enormous size, it suddenly seems so minuscule compared to the colossal wave. The fishermen on the boat seem tiny and insignificant when this wave is upon them. There is a sense of impending doom and fear coming from this print, but that all changes when we transition to the second print, Fine Wind, Clear Morning. This print is simplistic and captures a beautiful, serene morning with Mount Fuji as the main focus point. This new perspective is refreshing and invigorating after the chaos of the Great Wave.

Price: $50