This work is an arrangement for piano solo of the masterpiece Theme and Variations on 'Etenraku' for Piano and Orchestra (1951). The theme, Gagaku 'Etenraku' (however, it employs the 'Banshikichō' mode instead of the more popular 'Hyōjō' mode, so the melody differs slightly from the 'Etenraku' commonly heard), is varied into six variations.

• Theme: The sounds of Gagaku instruments (Ryūteki, Hichiriki, Shō, Biwa, Koto), excluding percussion, are faithfully reproduced.
• Variation 1: A brilliant, ornamental, and pianistic variation.
• Variation 2: A polytonal variation where the bass, middle, and treble parts appear in different keys.
• Variation 3: A modern variation employing the twelve-tone technique.
• Variation 4: A tranquil variation subtitled 'Song Without Words'.
• Variation 5: A popular variation using jazz rhythms prevalent at the time.
• Variation 6: A brilliant variation in the form of a perpetual motion toccata.
• Coda: After the climax of Variation 6, the 'Theme' is immediately recapitulated, concluding solemnly.

As an arranged work, it is extremely challenging both in terms of sight-reading and technical demands, yet it offers a different sonic experience from the original. It is frequently performed not only in Japan but also abroad in countries such as the United States and Europe by Japanese pianists, including the commissioners of the arrangement, Ms. Yaeko Sasaki and Mr. Aki Takahashi.

Score Information

• Zen-On Music Company Ltd.

• Yoritsune Matsudaira: Theme and Variations for Piano on Banshikichō 'Netori' and Banshikichō 'Etenraku'