Recorder Quartet: 15 Japanese Folk Songs

The book contains 15 Japanese folk songs that have captivated me with their melodies, which are quite unusual for the European region in which I reside. I have harmonized the melodies based on the European musical tradition, though I hope this does not detract from the overall experience. The purpose of this book is to serve as a "small bridge," guiding the reader towards the enchanting world of Japanese music.

The musical scores provided in the book are intended for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass Recorders. Additionally, there are songs without any accompanying text. I encourage you to explore the samples from the book, which can be found at the following link: http://osos.sweb.cz/Preview-Anglo-concertina.pdf

As a resident of Europe, I was initially struck by the unfamiliar yet captivating nature of the Japanese folk song melodies. Their unique qualities stood in stark contrast to the musical traditions I was accustomed to. Intrigued by this difference, I set out to harmonize the melodies, drawing upon the European musical heritage with which I was more familiar.

In harmonizing the Japanese folk songs, my goal was to create a seamless blend of the Eastern and Western musical elements, serving as a conduit for the appreciation of Japanese music within the European context. The 15 songs featured in the book represent a carefully curated selection, chosen to showcase the diversity and richness of the Japanese folk music tradition.

By providing the musical scores for Soprano, Alto, Tenor, and Bass Recorders, the book aims to make these Japanese folk songs accessible to a wider audience. The inclusion of songs without text further enhances the universality of the musical expressions, allowing the melodies to speak for themselves, transcending language barriers.

The very title of the book, "a 'small bridge,'" underscores the publisher's intent to foster a cultural exchange and mutual understanding between the Japanese and European musical landscapes. Through this publication, readers are invited to embark on a journey of discovery, exploring the enchanting world of Japanese folk music and appreciating the shared elements that connect diverse musical traditions.

I believe that this book serves as an invaluable resource for music enthusiasts, scholars, and anyone interested in exploring the intersection of Eastern and Western musical influences. By providing a platform for the appreciation of Japanese folk songs within the European context, it offers a unique opportunity to expand one's musical horizons and cultivate a deeper understanding of the cultural exchange that can occur through the universal language of music.

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