Kuroda-bushi for Alto Flute

Those who are familiar with Hosokawa's flute output may be expecting Kuroda-bushi (literally, "Song of Kuroda") to require diligent learning of a complex web of extended techniques. However, this charming transcription of a well-known Japanese folk song whose melody originates from Gagaku, the imperial court music, is a simple but effective addition to the solo alto flute repertoire.

In this concise 21 bars, Hosokawa dutifully presents the melody of this song whilst drawing references to the Japanese shakuhachi using air, glissando, emphasised vibrato, and quick ornamentation. The choice of transcribing this pieces for the alto flute is a smart one as it sits comfortably in the first register which benefits from the rich harmonics in the sound. THis allows the player to really explore the timbres they create as they weave through airy attacks, expressive dynamic, and glissandi. Before playing this piece, I would recommend listening to it being played on a shakuhachi, so the desired sounds and timbres are in the ear; it is quite a world away from a "conventional" flute sound!

Kuroda-bushi would make a great addition to almost any programme as a short palette cleanser, or perhaps even before another of Hosokawa's flute works so the audience hears the initial influence before it is viewed through a more contemporary lens.