Caution: May Cause Dancing!

Folk songs are an important source of inspiration for my compositions. I repeatedly draw on musical traditions—such as old Austrian children’s songs, Hasidic melodies, and German soldiers’ songs—and work their soundscapes into my own compositions.

I have selected five songs from the rich variety of Japanese folk songs and arranged them for vocal ensemble. These are simple, often dance-like songs that tell stories of life, love, and folk culture. Perhaps when you listen to them, you will even feel the joy of letting yourself be carried away by the music—especially when the singers perform these songs with enthusiasm and vitality.