桑原ゆうの作品リスト｜Yu Kuwabara Works in English

Mutual Dreaming for two voices of one singer (2023–24)

The Poetics of Touch and Tremor (2023)

for solo guitar
duration: approximately 5 minutes
commissioned by Sociedad Española de la Guitarra; performed by Marco Del Greco

The Six Hours Ⅲ (2022–23)

for solo tenor saxophone
duration: approximately 14 minutes
commissioned by ACHT BRÜCKEN | Musik für Köln, with support from Anna Friebe Reininghaus; performed by Marcus Weiss
Archived recording is available on WDR3 Studio Neue Musik until November 18, 2024: KonSequenzen [1] Vito Žuraj und Yu Kuwabara
score published by Edition Gravis Verlag GmbH (in preparation)

The Six Hours Ⅱ (2022–23)

for solo viola
duration: approximately 12 minutes
commissioned by ACHT BRÜCKEN | Musik für Köln, with support from Brigitte Wagner-Halswick; performed by Megumi Kasakawa
Archived recording is available on WDR3 Studio Neue Musik until November 18, 2024: KonSequenzen [1] Vito Žuraj und Yu Kuwabara
score published by Edition Gravis Verlag GmbH (in preparation)

The Six Hours I (2022–23)

for solo bassoon
duration: approximately 11 minutes
commissioned by ACHT BRÜCKEN | Musik für Köln, with support from Dirk Schroeder and Birgitta Peters; performed by Johannes Schwarz
score published by Edition Gravis Verlag GmbH [eg3083]

Falling Distance (2022)

for solo vibraphone
duration: approximately 12 minutes
commissioned by Style and Idea; performed by Yukari Yagi

Kyōun to Kagetsu (Lingering Clouds and Clear Moon) (2022)

for solo shakuhachi
duration: approximately 10 minutes
commissioned by and dedicated to Akihito Obama

Sonatina on the name of Bach (2021–22)

for solo violin
duration: approximately 14 minutes
written for Bach's Field of Prayer #5 - Awai-Za Recital Series Vol.2

Sonata-Vocalise (2021)

for solo cello
duration: approximately 10 minutes
written for Bach's Field of Prayer #5 - Awai-Za Recital Series Vol.2

Ime no Koto (Koto Pipe Dream) (2021)

→with koto

Bai and Dharani (2020–21)

for solo violin
duration: approximately 12 minutes
commissioned by I&I Foundation; performed by Ilya Gringolts
iandifoundation.org/2021/05/26/bbc-ilya-gringolts-and-yu-kuwabara-bai-and-dharani/
The archive movie of the online premiere is now available on Tectonics Glasgow website for 30 days.
score published by Edition Gravis Verlag GmbH (in preparation)
CD released by KAIROS [0022202KAI] on YU KUWABARA: Sounded Voice, Voiced Sound

so low, so level (2020)

Unspoken Song of the Koto (2020)

Toward the Brink of Water Or the Verge of Dusk (2020)

for solo viola d'amore
duration: approximately 11 minutes
written for and dedicated to Marco Fusi
CD released by KAIROS [0022202KAI] on YU KUWABARA: Sounded Voice, Voiced Sound

Nokorigaku (Remaining Music) (2019)

for solo piano
duration: approximately 11 minutes
commissioned by Festival 20/21 Transit; performed by Nicolas Hodges; TRANSIT COLLECTIE
score published by Edition Gravis Verlag GmbH (in preparation)

Concert Suite 'Gauche the Cellist' (2019)
　1. Prelude
　2. Practice Do, Re, Mi, Fa with Cuckoo
　3. Merry Horse-drawn Carriage
　4. Tiger Hunting in India
　5. Unnamed Rhapsody

for solo cello
duration: approximately 11 minutes
buy pdf score at yu kuwabara scores online

Moon Sliding Ⅱ (2014/19)

for solo harp
duration: approximately 5 minutes
written for the solo harp workshop at the International Summer Course for New Music Darmstadt 2014
revised for Shadowless - Yu Kuwabara Portrait [Awai-Za Recital Series Vol.1]

Mizu no Koe (Water Voice) (2014–15/19)

for solo violin
duration: approximately 10 minutes
for Awai-Za "Mirages of Floating World" in TWS experimental festival Vol.9
revised for Awai-Za Edo×New Music Vol.2 - The second night 'Hauta × New Music'
selected in Score Follower's Spring 2020 FollowMyScore call for works; Marco Fusi's performance+score video is available here.
CD released by KAIROS [0022202KAI] on YU KUWABARA: Sounded Voice, Voiced Sound

Three Different Time Fields and The Voiceless Chant (2018)

for solo cembalo
duration: approximately 10 minutes
commissioned by and dedicated to Mamiko Someda

Rattling Darkness (2015/17-18)

for solo trombone
duration: approximately 11 minutes
written for and dedicated to Kosei Murata; revised premiered by William Lang
selected for the 2017 Call for Scores by Boston Microtonal Society
score published by Edition Gravis Verlag GmbH [eg2787]

Ōmagatoki no Uta (Hearing the Dusk Abyss) (2014/17-18)

for solo cello
duration: approximately 11 minutes
for the solo cello workshop at the International Summer Course for New Music Darmstadt 2014
score published by Edition Gravis Verlag GmbH [eg2788]

Mystische Miniatüre (2017)

for solo khaen (the Lao/Northeast Thai free-reed mouth organ)
duration: approximately 8 minutes
written for and dedicated to Christopher Adler
CD released by Christopher Adler on Triangulations: New music for khaen, volume one

Moon Sliding (2014/15)

for solo electone (electric organ by YAMAHA)
duration: approximately 10 minutes
commissioned by and dedicated to Yukino Ichikawa

Dance of death (2015)

solo Irish harp version of "Lilium - Dance of death" from 'The Night Music'
for solo Irish harp (lever harp)
duration: approximately 4 minutes
commissioned by Setsujo Saito

Falling Dusk (2014)

Prelude on the name of Masanobu Ikeda (2013)

for solo piano
duration: approximately 1 minute
dedicated to Masanobu Ikeda to celebrate his 67th birthday

Teri-Mukuri (2011/13)

for solo accordion; on the impressions by Balkan music
written for Denis Patcovic

Love song Ⅳ (2011)

for solo guitar
duration: approximately 4 minutes
commissioned by Kosuke Hashizume
Here you can listen to a performance by Jacob Kellermann.　

Dodoitsu Variations (2010)

for solo accordion
written for Denis Patcovic

O-hya-ra-i Variations (2009/19/22)

for solo flute
duration: approximately 6 minutes
written for and dedicated to Camilla Hoitenga

vanishing primitive (2006)

for solo piano
duration: approximately 7 minutes

echoing and empty (2006)

for solo accordion
duration: approximately 9 minutes
written for and dedicated to Stefan Hussong
winning work at On Site Lab Emerging Artist Support Program Music Vol.02-3 Stefan Hussong Accordion Workshop Concert

Chamber Music - Duo

Dharani of Wind

Dharani of Wind [extended version] (2016/23–25)
for bass flute and shamisen
commissioned by Hidejiro Honjoh; performed by Claire Chase and Hidejiro Honjoh

Dharani of Wind [short version] (2016)
for bass flute and shamisen
commissioned by Hidejiro Honjoh; performed by Claire Chase and Hidejiro Honjoh

Full Moon Ceremony of March 14, 2025 (2024–25)

for shō and piano
duration: approximately 42 minutes
commissioned by Hisashi Terauchi; performed by Ko Ishikawa and Aki Takahashi

Falling Dusk, Filling Bird Cries (2024)

for bassoon and cello
duration: approximately 8 minutes
for Sou Kawasaki and Sho Sato

Dot and Line, or Moon and Plate (2023)

for trombone and 25-string koto
duration: approximately 9 minutes
commissioned by Kosei Murata; performed by Kosei Murata and Maya Kimura

Mimyo no Koe (2023)

for shakuhachi in A and bass shamisen
duration: approximately 8 minutes
commissioned by Utsunomiya City Cultural Hall; performed by Keisuke Zenyoji and Hidejiro Honjoh

Between the In-betweens (2022–23)

for violin and cello
commissioned by Ensemble Contemporary Alpha

Rites of Lilith (2021–22)

for violin and piano
duration: approximately 14 minutes
commissioned by ROSCO; performed by Fumiko Kai and Kaori Ohsuga

Chronos-Kairos (2021)

for trombone and piano
duration: approximately 11 minutes
commissioned by the contemporary duo; performed by Kosei Murata and Kazue Nakamura

Touched, scooped (2021)

After ‘Sukuisa,’ A Bon Dance Song of Niino
for koto and 5-string piccolo cello
duration: approximately 8 minutes
commissioned by Michael Maria Kasper; performed by Naoko Kikuchi and Michael Maria Kasper

Balls and Keys (2020)

for violin and cello
duration: approximately 8 minutes
written for Awai-Za Edo×New Music Vol.4 - Fireworks

Mirror rim (2020)

for clarinet in B flat and mandolin
duration: approximately 1 minute
written for Go Mochizuki and Thomas Piercy; performed at Tokyo to New York "MOMENTS IN THIS TIME"

Four Games (2019)
　1. Cat and mouse
　2. Fluctuation and distortion
　3. Mirroring
　4. Paul Klee's wavy lines

for 2 recorder players
commissioned by Seiko Tanaka and Daniele Bragetti

Ukiyo Shinobi Kudoki Uta (2019)

for baritone and tuba
on 'Shinobi kudoki kiyari' from "Sabishikiza no nagusami"
duration: approximately 9 minutes
commissioned by and dedicated to Teion Duo; performed by Takashi Matsudaira and Shinya Hashimoto

Mirror in the Mirror

Mirror in the Mirror (2018)
for bass clarinet and contraforte
duration: approximately 5 minutes
commissioned by ensemble proton bern as the winner of protonwerk no.8
score published by Edition Gravis Verlag GmbH [eg2937]

Mirror in the Mirror b (2018/25)
for bassoon and tuba
duration: approximately 5 minutes
commissioned by Ensemble Musikfabrik (Cologne, Germany); performed by Elise Jacoberger and Maxime Morel

There was already water there (2018)

for bassoon and shamisen
duration: approximately 12 minutes
commissioned by Hidejiro Honjoh; performed by Rebekah Heller and Hidejiro Honjoh

Spontaneous Song after the poem "Evidences" by Nouso Masao (2018)

2 and 32 [In Between b] (2018)

for zephyros (slide trumpet) and vibraphone
duration: approximately 10 minutes
commissioned by Kiyonori Sokabe and Mizuki Aita

Two Voices (2017)

for zephyros (slide trumpet) and shō
duration: approximately 4 minutes
commissioned by Kiyonori Sokabe; performed by Kiyonori Sokabe and Tamami Tono

Danse à vivre (2016)

for violin and piano
duration: approximately 5 minutes
commissioned by Shungo Mise

Tō no Kyoku (Music In Tower Shape) (2013-14/16)

for shō and Irish harp (lever harp)
commissioned by and dedicated to Setsujo Saito

Flowers of Fading

Flowers of Fading (2014)
for soprano recorder and shō
This work has also been performed by other instrumental combinations such as piccolo trumpet and shō, soprano recorder, and accordion.
duration: approximately 11 minutes
commissioned by Kazuo Furuyama; performed by Kazuo Furuyama and Hanako Nakamura

Flowers of Fading b [short version] (2014/17)
for soprano recorder and shō
duration: approximately 8 minutes

Flowers of Fading c [vibraphone version] (2014/20)
for vibraphone and shō
duration: approximately 8 minutes

Song for "Wakamurasaki" b (2014)

Gamelan of Wind and Stars (2013)

for trumpet and guitar
duration: approximately 10 minutes
commissioned by Kiyonori Sokabe and Gaku Yamada

Doll-Blind

Doll-Blind (2007)
for tenor recorder and accordion
duration: approximately 11 minutes
commissioned by Toshiya Suzuki; performed by Toshiya Suzuki and Stefan Hussong
score published by Edition Wunn [EW 25019]

Doll-Blind b [flute version] (2007/12)
for flute and accordion
duration: approximately 11 minutes
score published by Edition Wunn [EW 25023]

Song of "Imawa" (Song of ephemerality, in-between the world and the next world) (2012)

for violin and piano
duration: approximately 4 minutes
commissioned by mmm... for hibari charity project

Arabesque (2012)

for mandolin and guitar
duration: approximately 8 minutes
commissioned by Go Mochizuki and Kosuke Hashizume

Utakata no Uta (Ephemeral Songs of Love) (2004)
　1. Song by Fujitsubo no Miya
　2. Song by Rokujyo no Miyasudokoro
　3. Song by Murasaki no Ue

for soprano and oboe
on the three poems (Waka) from 'The Tale of Genji' by Murasaki Shikibu
duration: approximately 10 minutes
winning work of the 9th Tokyo International Chamber Music Composition Competition

LOOP (2003–04)

for flute and piano
duration: approximately 7 minutes

Chamber Music - Trio

Amagoi Kannon-tan (2025)

Imaginary Etenraku

Imaginary Etenraku (2023)
for shakuhachi, shō, and kse diev
duration: approximately 5 minutes
commissioned by Yuki Deai; first performed at a traditional culture exchange performance to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Cambodia
An archived video of the premiere is available here. This piece starts at around 1:21:18.

Imaginary Etenraku b (2023/25)
for shakuhachi, shō, and rubab
duration: approximately 5 minutes

Mitsudomoe Omeribuki (2024)

for shakuhachi, flute, and tenor recorder
duration: approximately 12 minutes
commissioned by Toshiya Suzuki; performed by Tadashi Tajima, Yoshie Ueno, and Toshiya Suzuki

Jakuchu Emaki - In homage to Jakuchu Ito (2023)
　1. Riverboat Journey - Fushimi, Yodojo
　2. Rising Sun and Phonixes
　3. Hydrangeas and Pair of Chickens
　4. Baisao
　5. Cuctus and Fowls
　6. Birds and Animals in the Flower Garden
　7. Riverboat Journey - Genpachi no watashi

for koto with voice, violin, and cello
duration: approximately 40 minutes
commissioned by Etsuko Hirai (Noix Accordées); performed by Lisa Kataoka, Kazuhiro Takagi, and Daisuke Kitaguchi

In Between (2018)

for alto saxophone, percussion, and prepared piano
duration: approximately 9 minutes
written for Delian Academy for New Music 2018; performed by Trio Accanto
revised first premiered at Real Accanto - Darmstädter Ferienkurse; the recording is available on Deutschlandfunk website.
selected for 113 Annual Call for Scores by One Thirteen Composers Collective
CD released by WERGO [WER 7393 2] on Trio Accanto: Other Stories
score published by Edition Gravis Verlag GmbH [eg2789]

Seven Studies about "Image" (2018)

for violin, cello, and piano
duration: approximately 11 minutes
score published by Edition Gravis Verlag GmbH [eg2790]

Three Voices (2016)

for string trio (violin, viola, and cello)
duration: approximately 10 minutes
written as a part of Academy Voix Nouvelles 2016 at Fondation Royaumont; performed by Talea Ensemble
selected for the second edition of Call for Scores by mdi ensemble
selected in Score Follower's Fall 2017 FollowMyScore call for works; the recording+score video is available here.
score published by Edition Gravis Verlag GmbH (in preparation)
CD released by KAIROS [0022202KAI] on YU KUWABARA: Sounded Voice, Voiced Sound

Matataki no Awai (The moment the light blinks) (2012)

for shakuhachi, lute, and baroque cello
duration: approximately 9 minutes
commissioned by Ensemble Muromachi

Love song Ⅲ (2009)

for great bass recorder, cello, and accordion
duration: approximately 11 minutes
winning work of the 78th Music Competition of Japan (composition section)

lace-race (2006)

for cello, piano, and percussionists (gamelan)
duration: approximately 15 minutes
commissioned by MU gakudan (Hironori Ueda, Manabu Nagasawa, and Tomoki Tai)

You mustn't write a letter at midnight... (2003)

for soprano, flute, and cello

Chamber Music - Quartet and Larger

In the Forest, Under Cherries in Full Bloom (2025)

→with Shōmyō (Japanese Buddhist chant)

Indra's Net (2024)

for 6 percussionists
duration: approximately 12 minutes
commissioned by Kunitachi College of Music for The 55th Percussion Ensemble Annual Concert

Iwai-uta after Moonlight Mantra (2024)

for string quartet
duration: approximately 8 minutes
commissioned by Wasei Hirai, master of An'yo-in Temple

Toki no Koe (Voice of Time) (2024)
　I. Prelude — Winter
　II. First Interlude — Spring
　III. Second Interlude — Summer
　IV. Postlude — Autumn

for early instruments ensemble (fl, ob, vn, viola da gamba, vc, theorbo, harpsichord)
duration: approximately 11 minutes
commissioned by 67. International Festival of Contemporary Music Warsaw Autumn, first performed by {oh!} Orkiestra

Yoshiwara Kiyari Kuzushi (2022–23)

for string quartet
duration: approximately 6 minutes
commissioned by NHK-FM Recital Passio; performed by Thaleia Quartet
The feature article is available here. You can listen to the recording of the work in the middle of this article.

Hidden Melody (2022)

for 9 musicians (fl, cl, bsn, hrn, perc, pf, 2vn&va)
duration: approximately 5 minutes
commissioned by Lucerne Festival for Lucerne Festival Forward 2022; premiered by Ensemble of the Lucerne Festival Contemporary Orchestra

Innate Reality (2021)

for 7 musicians (tsax, tp, tb, egt, vn, va&vc)
duration: approximately 15 minutes
commissioned by ZeitRäume Basel

Obi (2021)

for 7 musicians (fl, cl, perc, pf, vn, va&vc)
duration: approximately 30 seconds
commissioned by Divertimento Ensemble; performed at the first edition of Rondò Smart Festival

Hidden in the Another Dusk (2014/20-21)

for string quartet
duration: approximately 11 minutes

Nested Time (2020/21)

for 16 musicians (1.1.2.1-1.1.1.0-2perc-1synth-2.1.1.1)
duration: approximately 10 minutes
commissioned by Mizzou International Composers Festival; performed by Alan Pierson and Alarm Will Sound as one of the resident composers of MICF 2020 and 2021

Berlin Renshi Ⅱ - Die Strickleiter an der Fasanenstraße (2020–21)

co-composition by Motoharu Kawashima, Marc David Ferrum, and Yu Kuwabara
Utai (noh chanting), baritone, gagaku ensemble, and chamber orchestra
after 'Die Strickleiter an der Fasanenstrasse' by Makoto Ooka, Shuntaro Tanikawa, Hans Carl Artmann, Oskar Pastior, Hiroomi Fukuzawa, and Eduard Klopfenstein
commissioned by National Theatre of Japan; first performed at Gagaku and Contemporary Music Poetry in Song and Performance

The Three Playing of Kenji Miyazawa's onomatopoeia (2020)

for voice, flute (doubling bass flute), cello, and percussion
commissioned by Dentō-Gakusha

Dance to live (2020)

for clarinet in B flat, mandolin, electric guitar, piano, electric bass, and drums
commissioned by Go Mochizuki; performed by Music KART and Thomas Piercy

Time Abyss (2019–20)

for 17 musicians (1.1.1.1-1.1.1.0-2perc-1pf-1synth-2.1.2.1) divided in 2 groups
duration: approximately 16 minutes
commissioned by International Ensemble Modern Academy in the context of CRESC... Biennale für aktuelle Musik
awarded The 31st Yasushi Akutagawa Suntory Award for Music Composition (formerly known as The Akutagawa Composition Award)
score published by Edition Gravis Verlag GmbH [eg2916LM]

A song about a dead person (2019)

for baritone, trumpet, trombone, and bass clarinet
duration: approximately 5 minutes
on 'A SONG ABOUT A DEAD PERSON - OR WAS IT MOLE?' from 'SHAKING THE PUMPKIN' by Jerome Rosenberg
commissioned by loadbang

smelling, efflorescing (2012–23/18–19)

for 16 musicians (1.1.1.1-1.1.1.0-1perc-1pf-1hp-1acc-2.1.1.1) (the first version was for 15 musicians)
duration: approximately 14 minutes
selected for the Reading Session at impuls- 8th International Ensemble and Composers Academy for Contemporary Music, 2013
revised for Shadowless - Yu Kuwabara Portrait [Awai-Za Recital Series Vol.1]

Thirty-three Moons

Thirty-three Moons (2018)
for 7 recorder players
duration: approximately 11 minutes
commissioned by Seiko Tanaka and Daniele Bragetti; performed by La Rubertina

Thirty-three Moons b [short version] (2018/19)
for 7 recorder players
duration: approximately 6 minutes
commissioned by Seiko Tanaka and Daniele Bragetti; performed by La Rubertina

Five Images-In Nomine (2018–19)

for 6 musicians (fl/afl, cl/bcl, vn, vc, perc, pf)
duration: approximately 11 minutes
commissioned by Syntax Ensemble; for the final of International Composition Competition The Breaking Music 2019
awarded International Composition Competition The Breaking Music 2019
score published by Edition Gravis Verlag GmbH [eg2792LM]

A world under the world (2018)

for baritone, reading in Japanese, and 7 musicians (cl/bcl, tsax, tp, tb, perc, pf, cb)
duration: approximately 10 minutes
on the extracts from 'profezia' by Pier Paolo Pazolini
commissioned by Divertimento Ensemble; as the winner of the fifth edition of the competition ‘Franco Donatoni’ International Meeting for Young Composers

incense, efflorescence (2018)

for 9 musicians (fl/picc/bfl, cl/bcl, perc, acc, hp, pf, vn, va, vc)
duration: approximately 12 minutes
commissioned by and for neuverBand; as the winner of the 2017–18 edition of CONSTRUCT/RADIATE INTERNATIONAL COMPOSITION COMPETITION

figure and ground, image and margin, obverse and reverse (2018)

for solo shamisen and 7 musicians (fl/afl, cl/bcl, perc, pf, vn, va, vc)
duration: approximately 13 minutes
commissioned by and for Ensemble Modern and Hidejiro Honjoh
CD released by KAIROS [0022202KAI] on YU KUWABARA: Sounded Voice, Voiced Sound

Striking a match momentarily I see the foggy ocean

Striking a match momentarily I see the foggy ocean (2018)
for shakuhachi, daegeum, shamisen, koto, gayageum, violin, viola, cello, and contrabass
duration: approximately 12 minutes
commissioned by AsianArt Ensemble; performed by Akihito Obama, Hidejiro Honjoh, and AsianArt Ensemble

Striking a match momentarily I see the foggy ocean b [AsianArt Ensemble original instrumental version] (2018/19)
for daegeum, sheng, koto, gayageum, percussion, violin, viola, cello, and contrabass
duration: approximately 12 minutes
commissioned by AsianArt Ensemble

Dandara no Dharani (Layered Dharani) (2018)

for 6 musicians (fl/picc, cl/bcl, shamisen, vc, perc, pf)
duration: approximately 9 minutes
commissioned by Hidejiro Honjoh; performed by the soloists from Ensemble Intercontemporain and Hidejiro Honjoh

Deconstructing Winter (2017–18)

Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, Recomposed
for mandolin, electric guitar, piano, electric bass, and drums
duration: approximately 10 minutes
commissioned by Go Mochizuki; performed by Music KART
CD released by Music KART on Contemporary Pop - Music KART

Six Voices (2017)

for solo shakuhachi and 5 musicians (fl/afl, cl/bcl, vn, va, vc)
duration: approximately 14 minutes
selected for Asian Composers Showcase 2018 in the Tongyeong International Music Festival, held by Goethe Institute Korea; the excerpt of the recording is available on their website.
dedicated to Reison Kuroda

Shadowless (2017)

for solo violin and 8 musicians (fl, cl/bcl, tb, perc, vn, va, vc, cb)
duration: approximately 12 minutes
written for the Composer Seminar of the LUCERNE FESTIVAL ACADEMY 2017; the recording is available on Radio SRF website. The third piece of four.
awarded the 2017–18 edition of Construct-Radiate International Composition Competition by neuverBand
awarded the fifth edition of the competition ‘Franco Donatoni’ International Meeting for Young Composers by Divertimento Ensemble
score published by Edition Gravis Verlag GmbH (in preparation)
CD released by KAIROS [0022202KAI] on YU KUWABARA: Sounded Voice, Voiced Sound

Ten Voices (2017)

for 10 musicians (fl/afl, cl/bcl, hrn, tb, perc, pf, 2vn, va, vc)
duration: approximately 10 minutes
written for Devertimento Ensemble International Workshop for Young Composers 2017
selected for Devertimento Ensemble Rondò 2018
score published by Edition Gravis Verlag GmbH (in preparation)

Madara no Dharani (Patched Dharani) (2017)

for clarinet, 2shakuhachi, vibraphone, mandolin, and futozao shamisen
duration: approximately 6 minutes
commissioned by Thomas Piercy

Dharani no Manimani (Drifting with Dharani) (2016)

for 6 musicians (fl, bcl, tb, pf, vn, cb)
duration: approximately 7 minutes
commissioned by ensemble mise-en; first performed at MISE-EN MUSIC FESTIVAL 2016
score published by Edition Gravis Verlag GmbH [eg2915LM]

Tower of Ihatov Children (2015)

for 7 musicians (fl, bcl, mar, pf, vn, va, vc)
duration: approximately 6 minutes
commissioned by Padiglione Italia Expo 2015 Milano; performed by Sentieri Selvaggi; as one of finalists of Feeding Music composition competition

Love song Ⅱ (2008)

for soprano, bass flute, bass clarinet, viola, and 13-string koto
duration: approximately 8 minutes
commissioned by Ensemble Phorminx

wooden pop (2007)

for 3 percussionists and piano
duration: approximately 10 minutes

Falling Garden (2004-05)

for flute, trombone, cello, cembalo, and percussion
duration: approximately 9 minutes
winning work of the 74th Music Competition of Japan (composition section)

Pygmalion (2003)

for wind quintet (flute, oboe, clarinet, horn, and bassoon)
duration: approximately 8 minutes

with Voice

Amagoi Hannya (2025)

Amagoi Kannon-tan (2025)

In the Forest, Under Cherries in Full Bloom (2025)

→with Shōmyō (Japanese Buddhist chant)

Kannnon-meguri no Dan (2024)

Ukifune Monogatari (2024)

Hamlet Ichi-dan (Hamlet's Monologue) (2023–24)

for solo baritone with shakubyoshi
text: ‘Ichi-dan in Hamlet’ from “Shintai Shisho” translated by Masakazu Toyama, and ‘Ophéliya's Song' from “Omokage” translated by Mori Ōgai
text compiled by Yu Kuwabara
commissioned by and dedicated to Takashi Matsudaira

Mutual Dreaming for two voices of one singer (2023–24)

for one singer who goes back and forth between soprano voice and Noh-voice
duration: approximately 15 minutes
text: “Konjaku Monogatari-shu” (Collection of Ancient and Modern Stories), Volume 31, Tale 9
text compiled by Yu Kuwabara
commissioned by Noriko Yakushiji; first performed at B to C: From Bach to Contemporary Music [259] Noriko Yakushiji Soprano Recital

The Seventh Planet (2022)

White Winds, Blue Nights (2021)

→Orchestra

Ime no Koto (Koto Pipe Dream) (2021)

Moonlight, Sunlight (2021)

Berlin Renshi Ⅱ - Die Strickleiter an der Fasanenstraße (2020–21)

The Three Playing of Kenji Miyazawa's onomatopoeia (2020)

Unspoken Song of the Koto (2020)

so low, so level (2020)

for solo soprano with playing guiro, or rasping stick
duration: approximately 5 minutes
on 'VOWELS' by Christian Bök
commissioned by Riot Ensemble in the context of Zeitgeist; performed by Sarah Dacey

Nazuke no Uta (Naming Chant) (2019–20)

for vocal ensemble (12 voices)
on an excerpt from ‘Kojiki’ (Records of Ancient Matters)
commissioned by Yokohama Minatomirai Hall for Just Composed 2020 Spring/2023 Winter; performed by Vox humana

A song about a dead person (2019)

of the world under a dream, or of a dream under the world... (2019)

Ukiyo Shinobi Kudoki Uta (2019)

A world under the world (2018)

Spontaneous Song after the poem “Evidences” by Nouso Masao (2018)

for tenor and cello
on ‘Evidences’ from ‘A Cloudy Day’ by Nouso Masao
duration: approximately 6 minutes

Serenade (2017)

for voice, cello and obligato tenor
on ‘Sonnet #43’ by William Shakespeare (translated by Atsuhiko Ohyagi)
duration: approximately 5 minutes
written for Ichida Family House × "Gen" musubi -Music and Literature-

Katachi, Aya, or Sugata (Oscillating between speaking, singing and performing) (2017)

for voice, tenor and cello
on excerpts from ‘Hamlet’ by William Shakespeare (translated by Toshikazu Ohyama), from the poem ‘Ah Ware Wa Oboretarukana (Oh, I am drowning)’ by Chuya Nakahara, from the poem ‘Ophélie’ by Arthur Rimbaud (translated by Mitsuharu Kaneko)
duration: approximately 11 minutes
written for “Gen” musubi -Music and Literature- Vol.2 “Twelfth Night, or, What You Will”

‘The Comedy of Errors’ on The Paraphrase of Echigojishi (2016)

for 2 cellists and a storyteller
on the libretto by Yutaka Oishi, based on ‘The Comedy of Errors’ by William Shakespeare (translated by Kazuko Matsuoka)
duration: approximately 20 minutes
duration: approximately 20 minutes
written for “Gen” musubi -Music and Literature- Vol.1 “The Comedy of Errors”

Love song Ⅱ (2008)

Utakata no Uta (Ephemeral Songs of Love) (2004)

Orchestra

Falling Leaves Moon Steps (2023)

for solo shakuhachi, solo shamisen, and orchestra
duration: approximately 23 minutes
commissioned by Suntory Foundation of the Arts after winning The 31st Competition of Yasushi Akutagawa Suntory Award
score published by Edition Gravis Verlag GmbH [eg3047LM]

White Winds, Blue Nights (2021)

for solo biwa (with voice for one performer) and orchestra
duration: approximately 18 minutes
on traditionary poetry of Native Americans translated into Japanese
commissioned by Ensemble Free; performed by Akiko Kubota and Ensemble Free

Two Whales (2005–06)

for solo oboe, solo trombone, and orchestra
duration: approximately 12 minutes
winning work of the 75th Music Competition of Japan (composition section)

mandolin orchestra

Mizukage (Water Shadows) (2013/16)

for mandolin orchestra
duration: approximately 17 minutes
commissioned by Esprit Mandolin Orchestra

Pops in Mandolin Orchestra - The Beatles I 'Michelle' (2015)

for mandolin orchestra
duration: approximately 5 minutes
commissioned by Liberté Mandolin Orchestra

with Shōmyō (Japanese Buddhist chant)

Amagoi Hannya (2025)

for recitation of the Heart Sutra, violin, and percussion
duration: approximately 8 minutes
commissioned by JTB Corp. for “Kagerohi” at Ryosoku-in Temple, Kyoto

Kannon-meguri no Dan (Ritual Scene of the Kannon Pilgrimage) (2024)

for shōmyō, violin, cello, and futozao shamisen
on “Kannon-meguri no Dan” in ‘Sonezaki Shinju’ by Chikamatsu Monzaemon (compiled by Yu Kuwabara)
duration: approximately 20 minutes
composed for Awai-Za Recital Series Vol.3 “Yu Kuwabara: Kotohogi-e”

Nichiren-shu Shomyo Koso-san with accompanying music on gagaku instruments (2021/23-24)

composed the accompaniment part by gagaku ensemble (hichiriki, sho, ryuteki, koto, biwa) for the traditional Nichiren-shu Shomyo song ‘Koso-san’
commissioned by ShimoKumaTakeru and Tachibana Gayu-kai

Four Seasons of the Five Saints: Dogen, Saigyo, Ippen, Myoe, and Ryokan (2021)

for shōmyō voice by 4 priests (Japanese Buddhist chant of Shingon sect and Tendai Sect), percussion, ryuteki, hichiriki, sho, shakuhachi, koto, shamisen, violin, and cello
on the several poetries (in Waka style) by Dogen, Saigyo, Ippen, Myoe, and Ryokan, ‘Prayer toVairocana-Buddha,’ ‘Prayer to Amitabha,’ ‘Mantra of Light,’ and ‘Heart Sutra’ as the text
duration: approximately 53 minutes
commissioned by Concert Hall Shizuoka AOI; first performed at The Japanese and Nature Ⅱ, Sing of Innate Reality - New Japanese Traditional Music
List of commissioned works by Concert Hall Shizuoka AOI

Moon Spell (2017)

for solo shōmyō voice (Japanese Buddhist chant of Shingon sect) and 6 musicians (2 baroque violins, viola da gamba, baroque cello, baroque contrabass and percussion)
on ‘Mantra of Light’ as the rylics
duration: approximately 4 minutes
commissioned by Ensemble Muromachi

Moonlight Mantra (Tsuki no Kogon) (2017)

for shōmyō (Japanese Buddhist chant of the Shingon sect and Tendai sect, 31 priests for the world premiere)
on the several poetries (in Waka style) by Myoe, ‘Mantra of Light,’ and an excerpt from ‘Tsurezuregusa (Essays in Idleness)’ by Kenko Yoshida
duration: approximately 90 minutes
commissioned by Kanagawa Kenritsu Ongakudō (Kanagawa Prefectural Music Hall); first performed at Japanese Traditional Music Series

Spiral Mandala -Wind Chant and Night Chant- (2015)

for shōmyō (Japanese Buddhist chant of the Shingon sect and Tendai sect, 26 priests for the world premiere)
on traditionary poetry of Native Americans translated into Japanese
duration: approximately 100 minutes
commissioned by Shōmyō no Kai - Voice of a Thousand Years; first performed at Spiral Shōmyō Series Vol.24 "Spiral Mandala Ceremony"
EPAD - Spiral Mandala Ceremony
selected in Score Follower's Fall 2017 FollowMyScore call for works; the recording+score video is available here.
teiblow.com/spiral-mandala-ceremony

Fragments on 'Wind Chant' and 'Night Chant' (2015)

for solo shōmyō voice (Japanese Buddhist chant of Shingon sect) and Japanese Buddhist percussion (1 percussionist)
on traditionary poetry of Native Americans
commissioned by Setsujo Saito

Ruri no Uta, Hoshi no Uta (Song of Stars) (2013)

for solo shōmyō voice (Japanese Buddhist chant of Shingon sect) and Japanese Buddhist percussion (1 percussionist)
on the poem 'Inori no Uta (Song of grace)' by Shinpei Kusano
duration: approximately 20 minutes
commissioned by Setsujyo Saito

Requiem (2008–09)

for shōmyō (Japanese Buddhist chant of Nichiren sect, 20 priests for the world premiere) and Buddhist percussion (2 percussionists)
duration: approximately 33 minutes
commissioned by Nichimen-ji Temple; performed at the 250th Sakezuka Festival

with Utai (Noh Chanting) or Noh voice

Amagoi Kannon-tan (2025)

for Noh voice, violin, and percussion
based on rainmaking legends (compiled by Yu Kuwabara)
duration: approximately 20 minutes
commissioned by JTB Corp.; composed for Kagerohi at Ryosoku-in Temple, Kyoto

In the Forest, Under Cherries in Full Bloom (2025)

for Noh voice, violin, and percussion
after Ango Sakaguchi “In the Forest, Under Cherries in Full Bloom” (compiled by Yu Kuwabara)
duration: approximately 40 minutes
commissioned by Miura Meets Concert

Moonlight, Sunlight (2021)

Berlin Renshi Ⅱ - Die Strickleiter an der Fasanenstraße (2020–21)

Variation on Magic Doll

Variation on Magic Doll (2008)
for female Noh voice and cello
on the excerpt from ‘Magic Doll’ by Ranpo Edogawa
duration: approximately 11 minutes

Variation on Magic Doll b [viola version] (2008)
for female Noh voice and viola
on the excerpt from ‘Magic Doll’ by Ranpo Edogawa
duration: approximately 11 minutes
commissioned by Kanagawa Kenmin Hall; performed at ART COMPLEX 2008

Love song - on the excerpt from One Arm (2007)

for Utai (noh chanting), bass flute (doubling flute), and cello
on an excerpt from ‘Kata-ude (One Arm)’ by Yasunari Kawabata
duration: approximately 12 minutes
commissioned by company izuru

with Gagaku

Ukifune Monogatari (2024)

Three Little Gardens of Onomatopoeias (2024)
　1. Frogs' Garden by Shinpei Kusano
　2. Cats' Garden by Kenji Miyazawa
　3. Circus Garden by Chuya Nakahara

for gagaku ensemble (11 performers)
duration: approximately 17 minutes
commissioned by and performed by Reigakusha

Nichiren-shu Shomyo Koso-san with accompanying music on gagaku instruments (2021/23-24)

→with Shōmyō

Utasoragoto no Niwa (Garden of Onomatopoeias) (2022)

for gagaku ensemble (11 performers)
duration: approximately 17 minutes
commissioned by and performed by Reigakusha

Four Seasons of the Five Saints: Dogen, Saigyo, Ippen, Myoe, and Ryokan (2021)

→with Shōmyō

Berlin Renshi Ⅱ - Die Strickleiter an der Fasanenstraße (2020–21)

with Shamisen

Falling Leaves Moon Steps (2023)

→Orchestra

Mimyo no Koe (2023)

Echigojishi Fantasy

Echigojishi Fantasy (2014)
for violin, cello, and shamisen
duration: approximately 8 minutes
dedicated to Kokontei Shinsuke; performed by Awai-Za

Echigojishi Fantasy b (2014/18)
for shakuhachi, 13-string koto, and shamisen
duration: approximately 8 minutes
commissioned by Hidejiro Honjoh

Echigojishi Fantasy c (2014/18/21)
for shakuhachi, shamisen, 13-string koto, 17-string koto, and oh-tsuzumi
duration: approximately 8 minutes
commissioned by Hidejiro Honjoh

Floating Bridge of Dreams Ⅱ - on ‘Yoru no Ame (Rain at night)’ b [cello version] (2018/21)

for shamisen with voice and cello
duration: approximately 5 minutes

of the world under a dream, or of a dream under the world... (2019)

for Kyogen-utai, Jiuta, tenor, baritone, and shamisen
on the several poetries from Ryutatsu Kouta by Takasabu Ryutatsu
duration: approximately 27 minutes
commissioned by Japan National Theatre (Japan Arts Council); for The History of Japanese Music Ⅲ -Shamisen-

Shami Zanmai (2018)

for 2 shamisen players
duration: approximately 9 minutes
for Awai-Za Edo×New Music Vol.2 - The second night 'Hauta × New Music'

figure and ground, image and margin, obverse and reverse (2018)

There was already water there (2018)

Striking a match momentarily I see the foggy ocean (2018)

Dandara no Dharani (Layered Dharani) (2018)

Kinshi no Dharani (Dharani of Gold Strings) (2017)

for horn and shamisen
duration: approximately 4 minutes
commissioned by Hidejiro Honjoh; performed by Nobuaki Fukukawa and Hidejiro Honjoh

Momijitsutsu (While turning red) (2017)

for shō and shamisen
duration: approximately 4 minutes
commissioned by Hidejiro Honjoh; performed by Mayumi Miyata and Hidejiro Honjoh

Ito no Dharani (Dharani of Strings)

Ito no Dharani (2017)
for violin and shamisen
duration: approximately 2 minutes
commissioned by Shungo Mise

Ito no Dharani b [cello version] (2017)
for violin and shamisen
duration: approximately 2 minutes

Ito no Dharani c [viola version] (2017/19)
for viola and shamisen
duration: approximately 2 minutes
commissioned by Hidejiro Honjoh; performed by Megumi Kasakawa and Hidejiro Honjoh

Madara no Dharani (Patched Dharani) (2017)

Kaze no Dharani (Dharani of Wind) (2016)

Falling Dusk (2014)

for solo shamisen
duration: approximately 11 minutes
written for and dedicated to Hidejiro Honjoh
CD released by KAIROS [0022202KAI] on <YU KUWABARA: Sounded Voice, Voiced Sound

Song for Wakamurasaki

Song for Wakamurasaki (2014)
for solo shamisen with voice
on the poem ‘Ano Murasaki Wa (That purple is...)’ by Izumi Kyoka
duration: approximately 3 minutes
written for Awai-Za "Mirages of Floating World" in TWS experimental festival Vol.9

Song for Wakamurasaki b [duo version] (2014)
for shamisen with voice and cello
on the poem ‘Ano Murasaki Wa (That purple is...)’ by Izumi Kyoka
duration: approximately 12 minutes
commissioned by Gen no Oriai (Sho Sato and Hidejiro Honjoh)

Song for Wakamurasaki b' [short version] (2014/18)
for shamisen with voice and cello
on the poem ‘Ano Murasaki Wa (That purple is...)’ by Izumi Kyoka
duration: approximately 8 minutes
written for Awai-Za Edo×New Music Vol.2 - The Second Night ‘Hauta × New Music’

with Koto

Ukifune Monogatari (2024)

for koto-uta (koto with voice), sho, and ryuteki
duration: approximately 20 minutes
text: ‘Ukifune’ from “The Tale of Genji,” Noh ‘Ukifune,’ Saibara ‘Azumaya,’ and ‘Michi no Kuchi’
text compiled by Yu Kuwabara
commissioned by Norie Tomobuchi

Yume-Koi-Kwaidan (The Ghost Story of Dream Love) (2012/23)
　1. A-I-U-E-O-Kwaidan
　2. Botan Doro (Peony Lantern)
　3. Yume-Mi-Hayashi (Festival Music of a Floating World)
　4. Hangonko (Incense to Allow the Spirit of Your Love)
　5. Hitodenashi no Koi (Love of Inhuman Person)
　6. Yume-Chigae (Incantation to Make a Better Reality)

for 2 koto players (17-string koto, 25-string koto, and sangen, with voice)
duration: approximately 30 minutes
originary commissioned by and dedicated to TsuguKaji-KOTO
revised version without sangen was commissioned by and created for the duo of Asaka Ikegami and Tsugumi Yamamoto

Jakuchu Emaki - In homage to Jakuchu Ito (2023)

→Chamber Music - Trio

Dot and Line, or Moon and Plate (2023)

The Seventh Planet (2022)

for koto with voice, hichiriki, and violin
on the extract from ‘The Little Prince’ by Saint-Exupéry, translated by Aro Naito
duration: approximately 40 minutes
commissioned by Ayumi Shimonoto

Echigojishi Fantasy c (2014/18/21)

Ime no Koto (Koto Pipe Dream) (2021)

for koto-uta (koto with voice for one performer)
on the song #810 and #811 from the Man'yoshu volume 5 by Otomo no Tabito
duration: approximately 10 minutes
commissioned by and performed by Lisa Kataoka

Moonlight, Sunlight (2021)

for Utai (noh chanting) and koto-uta (koto with voice for one performer)
after the poem “Moonlight, Sunlight” by Seihaku Irako from his poetry collection ‘Peacock Boat’
duration: approximately 13 minutes
commissioned by Ayumi Shimonoto; performed by Shintaro Ban and Ayumi Shimonoto
CD released by Ayumi Shimonoto on Ayumi Shimonodo: The World of Contemporary Koto Music

Touched, scooped (2021)

Unspoken Song of the Koto (2020)

for koto-uta (koto with voice for one performer)
on the song #4160 from Man'yoshu volume 19 by Otomo no Yakamochi
duration: approximately 9 minutes
commissioned by Minoh-City Maple Hall; performed by Lisa Kataoka

Striking a match momentarily I see the foggy ocean b (2018/19)

Striking a match momentarily I see the foggy ocean (2018)

Echigojishi Fantasy b (2014/18)

Etudes Ⅳ (2013)

for 25-string koto trio
duration: approximately 8 minutes
commissioned by 4plus

Etudes Ⅲ (2012)

for 25-string koto trio
duration: approximately 6 minutes
commissioned by 4plus

Kagami-Awase (Mirrors-Facing) (2011/13)

for 2 kotos with bows
commissioned by Scott Jordan

Etudes Ⅱ (2011)

for 25-string koto trio
duration: approximately 9 minutes
commissioned by 4plus

Etudes (2010)

for 25-string koto trio
duration: approximately 7 minutes
commissioned by 4plus

Aomori Frog (Japanese Foam-Nest Tree Frog) (2009)

for koto-uta (koto with voice for one performer)
on the poem 'Aomori Frog' by Sadakazu Fujii
duration: approximately 9 minutes
commissioned by Tokyo Wonder Site (current: Tokyo Arts and Space); performed at On Site Lab Emerging Artist Support Program Music - Meet Japanese Contemporary Composer - MUSIC OF YUJI TAKAHASHI

Love song Ⅱ (2008)