economy (2016)

for Bass Clarinet and Futozao Shamisen

Commissioned by Tokyo to New York Concert Series

ca. 1 min. 30 sec.

Request PDF score HERE

"Happiness" has become an addictive drug for everyone. We invest significant time and resources in its pursuit. However, the issue arises when we attain our desires, only to realize that our happiness levels quickly revert to their previous state. Consequently, we find ourselves compelled to strive even harder to attain the next source of bigger happiness.

According to Epicurus our desires can be categorized as the following: natural and necessary, natural but non-necessary, and vain and empty desires. Necessary desires, such as food, water, and shelter, are essential for survival. Non-necessary desires include luxurious foods and housing, which, while desirable, are not fundamental to survival. Vain desires encompass material abundance, power, and fame.

Necessary desires are relatively easy to satisfy, providing the greatest pleasure and fulfilling basic needs, thus having the greatest distance from pain. Non-necessary desires are more challenging to fulfill and offer only a slight betterment from the satisfaction of meeting necessary desires. Vain desires, such as unlimited material wealth and fame, are nearly impossible to satisfy, leading to constant pursuit without fulfillment.

August 9, 2016 (World Premiere)

Tatami Recital Series

[Video Archive]

Globus Washitsu, New York City, NY

Hidejiro Honjoh (Futozao Shamisen), Thomas Piercy (Bass Clarinet)

​

Aug. 6, 2017 (Japan Premiere)

OTO Asobi Japan-China Tour 2017

NextSunday Asagaya, Tokyo, Japan

Colleen Schmuckal (Futozao Shamisen), Tsubasa Kaneda (Bass Clarinet)

May 3, 2017

Shit Film Festival Vol. 7 Tokyo Premier

Asagaya Loft, Tokyo, Japan

​

May 20, 2017

Shit Film Festival Vol. 7 Osaka Premier

Loft Plus-One WEST, Osaka, Japan

​

June 3, 2017

Shit Film Festival Vol. 7 Nagoya Premier

Theatre Cafe, Nagoya, Japan

​

​