Kusama

Kusama

Kusama

• 3-4

• M/H

• 7:40

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Composed by Rob Stein
Percussion by Ezekiel Lanser

Originally commission for:
Los Alamitos High School - Los Alamitos, CA

Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama is best known for her contemporary sculptures and installation art, many of which utilize bright colors and polka dots. She is widely regarded as one of the most important artists to come out of Japan, and this show explores the artistic process through a Kusama-colored lens.

1. Blank Canvas
How does one begin to create a work of art? Evoking the challenges (and thrills!) of making the first brushstrokes on a blank canvas, this movement features pulsing rhythmic motives with just enough dissonance to guide the listener through the first steps of creating a work of impressionistic art. A regal impact leads to transition material which highlights your percussion section, followed by options for technique features to show off individual sections. Incredible sound design brings all the elements together, as the work of art begins to take shape.

2. Uncertainty
Each artist faces the challenge of not knowing if they are on the right track. This movement opens with incredible sound design, which weaves seamlessly into a beautiful flute solo depicting the uncertainty that such an artist might feel. A woodwind feature moment leads us to a painful yet beautiful 3/4 impact, capped by a return of the flute soloist and soundscape from the movement’s introduction.

3. Kusama
Finally, inspiration strikes. A drum set sets the tone for a movement that is inspired by the creativity of Kusama herself. This leads to a percussion break that will highlight all the strengths of your section, before bringing in another set of accessibly-scored technique features. Driving rhythms and fantastic orchestration will make sure your band leaves a great lasting impression for your audience and judges! The final impact recalls some of the dissonant artistic elements from the opening, though this time in the greater context of a completed work of art as unique as the artist herself.