Home > Japanese Folk Songs > Kagome-kagome [Children's song] > かごめ変奏曲、テーマと8つの変奏曲
Koyama, Kiyoshige : かごめ変奏曲、テーマと8つの変奏曲
Work Overview
Genre:variation
Copyright:Under Copyright Protection
Original/Related Work: Japanese Folk Songs 《Kagome-kagome [Children's song]》
Commentary (1)
Author : Ueda, Yasushi
Last Updated: April 21, 2020
[Open]
Author : Ueda, Yasushi
This piece consists of a theme and eight variations (the final variation also serving as a coda).
Theme
The theme is based on the folk song "Kagome Kagome" and employs a simple texture with a bass line. Occasionally, imitation-like responses are heard, but these are not elaborate enough to be called true imitations; rather, they serve as interjections.
Variation 1
This is a prelude-like ascending arpeggio, but instead of directional harmony, it possesses the character of an echoing call, using only the four notes a-d-e-g. The reverberation is beautiful.
Variation 2
This variation is composed in a style that clearly imitates the koto music idiom, possessing an "homely" atmosphere of old Japan.
Variation 3
In stark contrast, this is a modern style with a dance-like, repetitive accompaniment. Midway, the original form of the theme disappears due to chromatic runs, but it returns in the final four measures.
Variation 4
Double stops in fourths (in the bass) and adjacent three-note clusters alternate rhythmically. The theme is placed in the bass.
Variation 5
Based on melody and harmony composed of the five notes a-B-d-e-g, and by interweaving chromatic notes, a unique, undulating sound is created. The trace of the theme is no longer discernible.
Variation 6
Conversely, this is a variation featuring arpeggios that clearly articulate the theme. It again evokes the koto, but only high registers are used, and chromatic movements are also heard.
Variation 7
This variation is in the modern, dance-like style of Variation 3. It involves hand crossing and has a strong aspect of technical exercise. Midway, koto-like arpeggios are interspersed, creating a stylistic contrast.
Variation 8 (Coda)
Its character continues from Variation 7, but an even more modern sound is pursued, with features such as seventh-interval leaps. The combination of melody and tremolo in the latter half is reminiscent of Debussy's piano writing. The theme is almost entirely deconstructed.
PTNA & Partner Channel Videos(1items)
Sheet Music
Scores List (2)

(株)春秋社

(株)全音楽譜出版社