| Title |
The Koi Pond |
| Year |
2010 |
| Composer |
Richard Belcastro |
| Instrument/s |
koto, clarinet, piano, violin, cello |
| Commission |
Chamber Music Now |
| First Performance (date, performers, venue) |
March 19, 2011, Masayo Ishigure and Ensemble CMN, the Chapel of St. Joseph, St. Joseph’s University, Philadelphia |
| Contact for Sheets |
https://www.rbelcastro.com/The%20Koi%20Pond_Score.pdf |
| CD, Digital Audio |
http://rbelcastro.com/the_koi_pond.html |
| Contact Info |
http://rbelcastro.com/index.html |
| Notes |
The work seeks to bring the outside world into the home through a unique work suggestive of cascading waterfalls. The idea of the water surrounding the space caught my interest but more specifically the Koi Pond. Koi are a very social fish that appears to enjoy human contact, I think this alone has given the fish a unique place in my mind and I couldn’t think of a better focus for this work. The piece is a collection of five duets for each of the ensemble members and the Koto as well as a final movement for the full ensemble. The intent was to explore different ways in which the Koto could behave in each context. Though the instrument have a tremendous repertoire in Japanese traditional music it’s use in a Western context has been limited. I am honored to have had the chance to explore this instrument with the help and input of Masayo Ishigure and I hope you enjoy my perspective on composing for the 13 String Koto [Belcastro]. |
