Masanori Taruya

Legends and folk tales abound in many different parts of Japan today. One such tale is "Akoya no Matsu," a tragic love story from Yamagata that features Princess Akoya and a pine tree spirit.I had gone to Banshoji Temple where this story continues to be circulated, and when I was there, I prayed at the tomb of Princess Akoya and visited the historical buildings on site.This piece opens with a woodwind-centric section that plays the theme of Princess Akoya, which embodies the tragic love of the couple.The Allegro section combines the 6/8 and 3/4 time signatures to portray the encounter on a hill with old pine trees between Princess Akoya and a young man who is dancing to music, before the piece gradually gives way to a section with a slower tempo.After discovering the true identity of the young man and knowing that she must sadly bid farewell to him, Princess Akoya was seized by grief and helplessness. This scenario is depicted by the recapitulation of her theme.The piece then closes with lingering notes that create a bittersweet mood after the Allegro section conveys the determination of Princess Akoya to continue living her life after she planted pine seedlings in the memory of her relationship with the young man.I hope that you can perform this piece after reading "Akoya no Matsu" and appreciating the feelings that were shared by the two lovers.

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