Sorin is the debut album of
Kokin-Gumi.
The different pieces highlight Japanese cultural history.
Contents of Sorin
Amitabha
Amitabha is the Buddha of the Western Paradise; the
Buddha of infinite life and light. This piece was composed for an
NHK satellite broadcast in 1993.
Sorin Sorin is the name of the nine-ringed spire at the top of
a pagoda, which is believed to gather all light and positive
spirits.
The composer felt a "kindred spirit" with the contemporary
artisans who
built the new five-story pagoda at Hompuku ji (temple) in
Saga prefecture.
This piece was composed for its dedication in
November 1994.
Konjiki Shogon
The Golden Hall of Chusonji is representative of the Golden
Culture of the four generations of the Fujiwara family that ruled
Hiraizumi 900 years ago. This piece describes the temple's
Golden Hall as it
was in its full glory (1993).
Yayoi In the traditional Japanese calendar, Yayoi is the name for the
month
of March. This piece was composed for the Noh Theater at Fukuoka
in
March, 1994.
Shumi Heisen
"Shumi" is an
imaginary sacred mountain the Buddhist legends and
referred to as
"Paradise." Visualizing the dream of Fujiwara, the
ruler of Hiraizumi
who sought to create a paradise from the haunting
ashes of the past,
the composer takes the listener musically on a
historical journey through
Hiraizumi in Iwate prefecture.
Sawarabi
Sawarabi (Fern Shoot) describes the freshness and liveliness of
the
mountains in Spring, as the people begin to gather the fern shoots.
This piece was composed in 1988.
Oshu Anyo "Oshu" is the ancient name for the northeastern part of Japan.
This piece was composed with the hope that this region of Japan
would be blessed with peace and prosperity (1993).
Torii Emaki
"Torii" is the entry gate to the shrine; "Emaki" is a pictorial
stroll. The four sections are: Heian - an era of elegance and high
culture; Ranjo - warfare, disturbing; Matsuri - a celebration, a
form of festival; Konjaku - the union of all things. This piece was
composed in 1994 for Kyoto's 1200th year celebration. The premier
performance was in Kyushu, Japan.