The Myth and the Music of Perseus by Satoshi Yagisawa: A Review and Analysis

Perseus by Satoshi Yagisawa: A Musical Journey Through Greek Mythology

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to listen to a musical piece that tells a story of ancient heroes, monsters, and gods? If so, you might want to check out Perseus by Satoshi Yagisawa, a Japanese composer who specializes in writing for wind orchestra. Perseus is a seven-minute work that depicts the epic adventure of Perseus, the legendary Greek hero who saved Princess Andromeda from a sea monster. In this article, we will explore the background, the story, the music, and the impact of this remarkable piece.

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Introduction

Who is Satoshi Yagisawa?

Satoshi Yagisawa is a contemporary composer who was born in Tokyo in 1975. He studied composition at Musashino Academia Musicae and graduated in 1998. He has written over 200 works for various ensembles, but he is most famous for his wind orchestra pieces. Some of his popular works include Machu Picchu: City in the Sky, Primavera: Beautiful Mountain Winds, Festa Veneziana: Overture for Wind Orchestra, and Capriccio for Saxophone Quartet and Band. He has received many awards and honors for his compositions, such as the Japan Bandmasters Association Award, the Japan Academic Society of Wind Music Award, and the Japan Wind Orchestra Conductors Conference Award. He is also an active conductor, clinician, and lecturer who travels around the world to promote his music.

What is Perseus?

Perseus is a wind orchestra piece that was composed by Yagisawa in 2005. It was commissioned by the Nagoya Wind Symphony of Nagoya, Japan, and premiered by them in 2006 under the direction of Yagisawa himself. The piece is based on the Greek myth of Perseus, one of the most famous heroes in Greek mythology. Perseus was the son of Zeus and Danae, who was locked up by her father King Acrisius because of a prophecy that said he would be killed by his grandson. Perseus grew up to be a brave and clever warrior who accomplished many feats, such as slaying Medusa, the Gorgon with snakes for hair; rescuing Andromeda, the princess who was chained to a rock as a sacrifice to a sea monster; and defeating Polydectes, the tyrant king who wanted to marry Danae against her will.

Why did Yagisawa compose Perseus?

Yagisawa was inspired by the story of Perseus after watching the 1981 film Clash of the Titans, which was a loose adaptation of the myth. He was fascinated by the drama and excitement of the story, as well as the symbolism and meaning behind it. He decided to compose a piece that would capture the essence of the story and express his own interpretation of it. He wrote in the score: "Perseus is a musical work that depicts the heroic deeds of Perseus, who was born as a son of Zeus and a human woman. The piece is not a literal representation of the story, but rather a reflection of my own imagination and feelings. I hope that the listeners will enjoy the music as a journey through the world of Greek mythology."

Main Body

The Story of Perseus and Andromeda

The Prophecy and the Quest

The piece begins with a mysterious and ominous introduction that sets the scene for the story. The low brass and percussion play a dark and menacing motif that represents the fate and destiny of Perseus. The woodwinds and mallets play a contrasting motif that represents the divine intervention of Zeus, who guides and protects Perseus throughout his life. The two motifs clash and intertwine, creating a sense of tension and conflict.

The first section of the piece depicts the prophecy and the quest of Perseus. The music becomes faster and more energetic, as Perseus embarks on his adventure to slay Medusa, the Gorgon who can turn anyone who looks at her into stone. He receives various gifts from the gods, such as a sword, a shield, a helmet, and a pair of winged sandals. He also gets help from Athena, the goddess of wisdom and war, who tells him how to find Medusa and avoid her gaze. The music reflects the courage and determination of Perseus, as well as the danger and difficulty of his mission.

The Clash of the Titans

The second section of the piece depicts the clash of the titans, or the battle between Perseus and Medusa. The music becomes louder and more intense, as Perseus enters the lair of Medusa and her sisters, who are sleeping. He carefully approaches Medusa, using his shield as a mirror to avoid looking at her directly. He strikes her head with his sword, severing it from her body. He then puts the head in a bag and flies away with his winged sandals. However, he wakes up the other Gorgons, who chase him in anger. He also encounters other monsters along the way, such as giant scorpions and harpies. The music reflects the action and suspense of this scene, as well as the triumph and relief of Perseus.

The Rescue and the Wedding

The third section of the piece depicts the rescue and the wedding of Perseus and Andromeda. The music becomes softer and more lyrical, as Perseus arrives in Ethiopia, where he sees Andromeda chained to a rock by the sea. She is about to be devoured by Cetus, a sea monster sent by Poseidon, the god of the sea, as a punishment for her mother's boastfulness. Perseus falls in love with Andromeda at first sight, and decides to save her. He uses Medusa's head to turn Cetus into stone, freeing Andromeda from her chains. He then asks for her hand in marriage, which is granted by her father King Cepheus. The music reflects the romance and happiness of this scene, as well as the gratitude and admiration of Andromeda.

The Musical Elements of Perseus

The Theme and Motifs

One of the most important musical elements of Perseus is the theme that represents Perseus himself. This theme is first introduced by the trumpet after the introduction, and then repeated by various instruments throughout the piece. It is a heroic and noble melody that consists of four phrases: A-B-A-C. The A phrase is an ascending scale that shows Perseus's rise to glory; the B phrase is a descending scale that shows Perseus's humility and compassion; the C phrase is a chromatic scale that shows Perseus's courage and daring.

Another important musical element is the motif that represents Medusa. This motif is first introduced by the clarinet before the second section, and then repeated by various instruments throughout the piece. It is a sinister and dissonant melody that consists of three notes: E-F-G#. The E note is an augmented fourth above C#, which creates a tritone or "the devil's interval"; this shows Medusa's evilness and power. The F note is an augmented fifth above C#, which creates another tritone; this shows Medusa's ugliness and horror. The G# note is an augmented sixth above C#, which creates another tritone; this shows Medusa's cunningness and danger.

The Instruments and Voices 71b2f0854b