Sœgaharat, Méireaux : Suite Fragment
Work Overview
Genre：pieces
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Commentary (2)
Author : Nakatsuji, Maho
Last Updated: April 19, 2018
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Author : Nakatsuji, Maho
This Fragment is one of the six pieces that comprise the Suite. It was composed in February 1933, a work from when Akio Sugawara was 36 years old. This period corresponds to when his writings such as Orchestration and Illustrated Guide to Musical Instruments were published, and when he was collaborating with Michio Miyagi. The score for Fragment is included in Sekai Dai Ongaku Zenshu Kigaku-hen Vol. 33: Nihon Piano Meikyokushu 1 (Ongaku no Tomo-sha, 1957). According to Akio Sugawara's writings, Fragment is said to have been created during a transitional period when the composer's style was shifting from Impressionism to Classicism. In October 1933, a performance by pianist Leo Sirota was broadcast on JOAK's Evening of Western Music.
Although bar lines are not indicated in the score, the note values of each sound are clearly specified. Dynamic markings are limited to "p" and "pp," apart from two instances of crescendo. While a melancholic hue permeates the piece, it is better to play it without succumbing to sentimentality.
This work contains neither fast passages nor complex rhythms. Precisely for this reason, the resonance of each individual note becomes crucial. Because melodic patterns of the Ritsu scale, such as D-E-G-A and A-B-D-E, are interspersed throughout, it also evokes a sense of nostalgia.
Author : Nakatsuji, Maho
Last Updated: April 19, 2018
[Open]
Author : Nakatsuji, Maho
This piece, ‘Fragment,’ is one of the six pieces comprising the “Suite.” It was composed in February 1933, when Meirou Sugahara was 36 years old. This period coincides with his publication of books such as “Orchestration” and “Illustration of Instruments,” and his collaboration with Michio Miyagi on compositions.
The score of ‘Fragment’ is included in “The World Music Collection, instrumental music section, vol. 33.” According to Sugahara’s own writings, it was composed during a period when his musical style transitioned from Impressionism to Classicism. The piece was performed by pianist Leo Shirota in October 1933 and broadcast on ‘An Evening of Western Music’ by JOAK.
There are no bar lines in the score, but each rhythmic value is indicated. Dynamic indications are limited to ‘p’ and ‘pp,’ with the exception of crescendos in two passages. While the music possesses a melancholic atmosphere, it is advisable to perform it without succumbing entirely to sentimentality.
There are no fast passages or complicated rhythms, so each note is of great importance. The characteristic intervallic patterns of the ‘Ritsu scale,’ such as D-E-G-A and A-H-D-E, appear in various places, contributing to its somewhat nostalgic sound.