EPHEMERAL DREAM (Utsusemi no Yume) for Euphonium and Piano（2025）

I composed this work in 2025 in response to a commission from the internationally renowned euphonium-player Shōichirō Hokazono, who specifically requested a piece with a nostalgic feel that would be easily accessible and enjoyable for audiences. My idea was to focus on the theme of ‘dreams’ and the implication of ephemerality and a sense of the unreal.
Utsusemi in the Japanese title is an ancient word that used to refer to living people and to the real world. Addition of the word yume (dream) has resulted in a title that denotes a transitory, beautiful dream of the world in which we live. The three pieces each have their own respective titles.

I. Madoromi (Reverie)
This piece depicts a transitory, tranquil moment situated in the gap between dream and reality on a quiet seaside beach illuminated by moonlight.

II: Yume Utsushi (Dreamplay)
The title of this piece literally means ‘dream reflections’. As reality and the world of dreams intersect with dreams reflected in a spirit of play, places visited during childhood, highly prized toys and dolls that bring back fond memories are resurrected.

III. Hikarimahoshi (Longing Light)
Mahoshi is a verb suffix in classical Japanese that denotes wishes and hopes. This piece represents the flow of the spirit which, having passed through emotional turmoil and darkness, arrives finally at the longing for light (hikari). It embodies the aspiration to dreams that continue into the future.

I hope that performers of this work will superimpose their own dreams and memories onto this music to create a rich and expansive sound.