Aizu Bandaisan

Please accept my hearty congratulations on the 40th anniversary of the foundation of Singapore Youth Choir. I feel glad and honoured to have the premiere performance of my piece at this commemorative concert.

"Aizu-Bandaisan" is the mountain rising into the sky in the snowy province in Japan.

We believe God dwells in this mountain and are proud of this.

This piece is based on a folk song, which is sung by people living at the foot of the mountain. Originally it is a song with quick tempo and also dance music for Bon Festival (Buddhist festival to celebrate ancestors' souls returning to this world for a visit), but I put on my own impression, reconstructing and finishing with this original choral music.

This specially constructed piece for mixed chorus in 4 parts and 8 soloists, or small ensemble, is trying to express the scenic beauty of Aizu town and landscape of Mount Bandai. I am very much looking forward to how the Singapore Youth Choir who lives right on the equator, performs and expresses this snowy Aizu town's song. I am sure they will create a new style to express the Japanese tune.

Lastly, let me express my deepest gratitude to Ms Jennifer Tham for giving me a great opportunity and the best of everything for Singapore Youth Choir.

9 Sep. 2004 in Tokyo

Ko Matsushita

Iya, Aizu Bandai-san wa          Mount Bandai

takara no yama yo.                is a treasured mountain.

Sasa ni kogane ga                  Gold hangs on

e mata narisagaru                  the bamboo grasses.

Iya, Aizu Bonchino                 Aizu Basin's

midori no Natsuyo.                green summer!

Kazemo hogarani                   Wind breezes cheerfully

e mata Tsurugajo.                 at Tsuruga Castle*.

*Tsuruga Castle sits at the centre of Aizu Basin, surrounded by volcanic mountains.