Kazahana [Flute & Clarinet Quartet]

On a clear winter's day, snow sometimes flutters in the wind. This is called kazahana, or "wind flowers." It is said that the snow accumulated on the mountains is blown by the wind and travels a long way. In this piece, I depict the continuous flow of kazahana, where silently accumulated snow is swept up by the wind, flies a long distance, and then gently falls to the earth, following each scene in sequence. The clarinet quartet does not simply serve as an accompaniment to the solo flute; rather, the relationship between the five performers changes in various ways, with the clarinets sometimes taking the lead and other times performing as a quintet alongside the flute. We invite you to enjoy "A Snowflake's Journey," imagining the shining kazahana within a quiet winter landscape, depicted by the clarinet quartet and solo flute.