Program Notes:
Yokai are supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore that date back to the 8th century. The word Yokai doesn’t
describe one set of spirits/demons but actually encompasses much of the supernatural including gods, transformed/possessed humans, monsters, and can be connected to strange phenomena. Because of this Yokai have a wide range of behaviors; some acting as malevolent beings while others can even bring good fortune. My grandma first introduced me to the
Yokai as shapeshifting beings (also known as bakemono or obake) that can transform into everyday objects to haunt you!
I was around four at the time, so the thought of this understandably scared me. Not to mention she loved to watch scary Japanese movies featuring ghosts so that didn't help my perception of them either. In this piece I wanted to capture this idea of a shapeshifting spirit that lays dormant until the moment it decides to show itself. First just a glimpse; then it becomes more active until finally it shows its monstrous form (and unfortunately it isn't the friendly type of spirit). Finally, it shapeshifts back into its disguise; becoming hidden from the world until another unfortunate victim stubbles upon it.
Transposed Score
Duration: 6:40 approx.
Program Notes:
Yokai are supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore that date back to the 8th century. The word Yokai doesn’t
describe one set of spirits/demons but actually encompasses much of the supernatural including gods, transformed/possessed humans, monsters, and can be connected to strange phenomena. Because of this Yokai have a wide range of behaviors; some acting as malevolent beings while others can even bring good fortune. My grandma first introduced me to the
Yokai as shapeshifting beings (also known as bakemono or obake) that can transform into everyday objects to haunt you!
I was around four at the time, so the thought of this understandably scared me. Not to mention she loved to watch scary Japanese movies featuring ghosts so that didn't help my perception of them either. In this piece I wanted to capture this idea of a shapeshifting spirit that lays dormant until the moment it decides to show itself. First just a glimpse; then it becomes more active until finally it shows its monstrous form (and unfortunately it isn't the friendly type of spirit). Finally, it shapeshifts back into its disguise; becoming hidden from the world until another unfortunate victim stubbles upon it.
Transposed Score
Duration: 6:40 approx.
Bb Trumpet
Electronic Sound (E.S)
Bb Trumpet
8va Treble: Sho, Bells, Reverse Audio
Treble: Hichiriki, Sho
Bass: Low Growl, Lower Growl/Rumble, Voices
Perc: Cymbals. Wood Blocks, High Drum, Taiko Drum, Gong
Tyler Ono: Bb Trumpet
