Shiki to Unkai (2013)

​​日本語：四季と雲海

[A] for Soprano Saxophone and Cello

[B] for Soprano Saxophone and Bass Clarinet

[C] for Clarinet and Organ

[D] for Soprano Saxophone and Electronics

Commissioned by A-En Project

ca. 7 min.

Request PDF score HERE

This work is divided into four sections in response to the four seasons, and each explores the Shiki to Unkai, or the Four Seasons and the Sea of Clouds, seen from the Summit of Mt. Fuji; reassuring its mightiness, expressed by the cello, with the delicate elegance of the Sea of Clouds, expressed by the soprano saxophone.

This work is dedicated to Mt. Fuji; recognized as a World Heritage Site by the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO.

Shiki to Unkai (四季と雲海), which translates to "The Four Seasons and a Sea of Clouds", was composed in 2013, and was premiered in December that year in Nogata Kumin Hall by Asagi Ito and Masateru Nishikata.

Instrumentation

This piece may be performed with alternative instrumentations. The top stave of the score, usually performed with soprano saxophone, may be performed by clarinet. The bottom stave of the score, usually performed with cello, may be performed by bass clarinet, organ, or electronics. 

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Pitch Extension Attachment

When performing the top stave with soprano saxophone, insert the pitch extension attachment into the mouth of the instrument when notated. The Pitch Extension Attachment can be created from one paper cup about 8cm in height and with a rim of diameter 7cm and a circumference of 20cm. First, cut open the bottom (diameter 5cm, circumference 17cm). Next, flip the cup so the rim with a wider circumference is on the bottom. Stick vinyl tape on the circumference of the new upper half of the cup. This creates a friction between the pitch extension attachment and the saxophone, and prevents it from slipping out of the mouth of the instrument. 

Dec. 23, 2013 (World Premiere)

A-EN Composers Project Third Concert

[Video Archive]

Nogata Kumin Hall, Tokyo, Japan

Asagi Ito (S.Sax), Masateru Nishikata (Vc.)

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June 22, 2016

Chatori Shimizu Portrait Concert 2014

Ryogoku Monten Hall, Tokyo, Japan

Yasumi Tanaka (Sop. Sax), Akira Sato (Vc.)

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March 11, 2019 (US Premiere)

Duo Sore Yure feat. Chatori Shimizu

Silvana, New York, NY

Duo Sore Yure (Yui Sakagoshi, Sop. Sax; Ivan Solano,  B. Cl.)

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March 15, 2019

Mise-En Place Curatorial Series

Mise-En Place Bushwick, New York, NY

Duo Sore Yure (Yui Sakagoshi, Sop. Sax; Ivan Solano,  B. Cl.)

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April 12, 2019

SoreYure - 2019 Japon Tour Tokyo【Monodorama-Hana】

Ryogoku Monten Hall, Tokyo, Japan

Duo Sore Yure (Yui Sakagoshi, Sop. Sax; Ivan Solano,  B. Cl.)

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April 13, 2019

SoreYure - 2019 Japon Tour Tokyo【Monodorama-Hana】

Eishinji Temple, Gunma, Japan

Duo Sore Yure (Yui Sakagoshi, Sop. Sax; Ivan Solano,  B. Cl.)

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June 13, 2023 (France Premiere)

REED[S]

Église Sainte-Aurélie, Strasbourg, France

Iván Solano (B. Cl.), Jean-Luc Iffrig (Organ)

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Sept. 23, 2023

身体とサウンドスケープ

Kamikawa Coming Hall, Town of Kamikawa, Hokkaido, Japan

Yui Sakagoshi (Sop. Sax), Chatori Shimizu (Elect.)

July 19-Oct. 13, 2014

富士山の信仰と文化

Susono City Mt. Fuji Museum, Susono, Shizuoka, Japan

Exhibition of video, scores, and documentation of Shiki to Unkai (2013)

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Aug. 6-28, 2016

Finished Goods Warehouse: Columbia MFA Summer Show

Curated by Natalie Bell (The New Museum)

Former Pfizer Factory, 630 Flushing Avenue Brooklyn, New York, NY

Exhibition of scores of Shiki to Unkai (2013), shikaku (2013), and Cover Your Ears! (2015)

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March 16-May 15, 2019

"I'd Rather Struggle"

Inna Art Space, Building 12, No.139 Liuhe Rd., Huangzhou, China

Exhibition of the scores and performance video of Shiki to Unkai (2013)