A collection of works focused on “tetra,” meaning four in Greek. Wordplay is often seen in Asakawa's works, and this can be considered one such instance. While “tetrapod” often brings to mind the wave-dissipating blocks lined along the coast, the word originally refers to a quadruped (primarily terrestrial higher vertebrates).

This collection comprises four pieces: “Alpaca,” “Pony,” “Zebra,” and “Bongo,” with “Galop” included as an appendix.

The three pieces other than “Alpaca” and “Galop” originated from works published for children through the Japan Federation of Composers. According to the composer, they “can be enjoyed by those at the level of Czerny 30,” but from the author's experience, this seems a bit challenging.

1. Alpaca

Begins with “Moderato sogno di l’alpaca” (Moderato, like an alpaca's dream). Alpacas are livestock bred for their high-quality wool, grazed in the highland regions of South America. As suggested by “Alpaca's dream,” the piece interweaves sections of slight languor with parts that convey lively running.

2. Pony

Begins with “Moderato mormorando” (Moderato, murmuringly), quickly transitioning to a light “Allegro polka” tempo. The middle section is marked “Posato all’ nigro spirituals” (Calmly, in the style of a Negro spiritual). The left-hand part of the “Allegro polka” in the recapitulation is quite difficult to play, so it may be necessary to devise solutions such as omitting notes as appropriate. The opening section reappears at the end.

3. Zebra

Consists of an opening and closing section marked “Allegretto all’improvista” (Allegretto, in the style of an impromptu), and a middle section “alla Mazurca.” The opening and closing sections should be played powerfully with full sound. Although the middle section is marked “in the style of a Mazurka,” it is best understood as a simple triple-meter dance that anyone can dance to, without overthinking it.

4. Bongo

The bongo is a bovine animal native to Africa, classified as near threatened. Today, it is probably more widely known as the name of a percussion instrument originating from Africa. This piece is written in a boogie-woogie rhythm, and free swinging is encouraged. Furthermore, the tempo intended by the composer is quite fast. The middle section is “Andante all’ gospel” (Andante, in the style of a gospel). It would also be enjoyable to improvise along with percussion instruments like bongos.

5. Galop

While “galop” refers to a horse running at full speed, this piece begins “Tardamente” (slowly) and proceeds to “Allegro con serioso” (fast, seriously). The middle section, “Flebilmente e impaziente” (sorrowfully and impatiently), is only eight measures long, but it should aim to express the sensation of galloping at full speed. This piece incorporates motifs from the preceding four pieces, concluding quietly with a Picardy third while recalling the collection.