Migot, Georges : La Nimura
Work Overview
Publication Year:1935
First Publisher:Alphonse Leduc
Instrumentation:Piano Solo
Genre:Various works
Total Playing Time:6 min 00 sec
Copyright:Under Copyright Protection
Commentary (1)
Author : Nishihara, Masaki
Last Updated: May 13, 2025
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Author : Nishihara, Masaki
“Nimura” refers to Eiichi Nimura, a Japanese dancer who swept through Europe and America during the interwar period. Nimura was a legendary figure in 20th-century dance, a self-made success whose name is still preserved in the prestigious “Nimura Dance Award.” Having established his reputation in America in the 1920s, Nimura embarked on a large-scale European tour in 1934. Migot, who had occasionally created works inspired by Japanese culture from his earliest days, must have eagerly awaited Nimura's arrival in France. Impressed by Nimura's dance during his Paris performance, Migot immediately composed a piano piece titled “Nimura.” It bears the dedication “To the great dancer Nimura” (Au maître-danseur Nimura). The Japanese-style family crest adorning the cover of the published score is also striking. The premiere took place on June 15, 1938, at Salle Chopin in Paris, performed by Iskar Aribo. The opening motto reads “Rude, pesant” (Rough, heavy). Although there are fluctuations in tempo, the musical ideas consistently remain literally rough-hewn and percussive. While generally based on 6/8 time and D major (without key signature), the tonality is not constant. Unusually for Migot, a homophonic texture is consistently maintained. Undoubtedly inspired by Nimura's dance, it is likely not merely a depiction of physical movement, but rather a vivid record of the inexhaustible waves emanating from a rare physique that combined both Japanese and Western inspirations.