Thunderbird

Item details

Description +
- The Thunderbird is a legendary creature found in the mythology of Native American peoples. It is said to bridge heaven and earth, summon storms, and protect its people from evil spirits and destructive forces — a sacred being of great power that brings peace to the world.
  
  This Marimba Concerto “Thunderbird” consists of two sections, each inspired by the beliefs and musical traditions of two different Indigenous peoples.
  
  The first section draws inspiration from the musical structure of the Ainu, the Indigenous people of Japan. Ainu music is characterized by the repeated development of a single melodic phrase. In this piece, while the marimba and strings share the same theme, each voice unfolds independently, weaving together a rich and organic musical landscape. Following a six-mallet cadenza, the theme reappears vividly in 10/8 beats, evoking the vitality and spirit of the Ainu people who live in harmony with nature in the northern lands.
  
  The second section captures the power and energy of the Thunderbird as described in Native American mythology. At the beginning, the marimba and strings paint a soundscape of bird calls, wind, and rustling trees. As the music progresses, dynamic rhythms in 7/8 and 9/8 beats, thunderous drumbeats, and soaring melodies depict the Thunderbird stirring up a storm, inspiring the people, and bringing peace to the world.
  
  Both the Ainu and Native American peoples hold rich traditions and deep spiritual connections with nature that must be passed down to future generations. Through this piece, I hope the Thunderbird will soar beyond borders — uniting the earth and all who live upon it in love and peace.
Instrumentation +
- Marimba and String Orchestra
About the composer +
- Kana Omori is an international marimbist. Ms. Omori has released four solo marimba albums, “Je Te Veux,” “Cappriccio Grazioso,” “Siguiriya Gitana” and “Café de KANA,” as well as a duet CD, “Duo KAtriNA,” with the Swiss flutist, Katrin Huggler-Locher. She has also published a book of her arrangements for marimba, “Masterpieces of Classical Music on Marimba Vol. 1” and a collection of essays “Meine Träume (My Dreams)”.
  
  She completed both her undergraduate and graduate studies at the Osaka College of Music. Additionally, Ms. Omori completed a graduate degree at the University of Music and Performing Arts in Munich, Germany in the class of Prof. Dr. Peter Sadlo.
  
  She has been awarded several prizes, including the First Prize at the International Music Competition in Kobe, Japan in 2006 and the First Prize and “Absolute Prize” at the International Percussion Competition in Italy, in 2010, where she was also awarded a special prize from jury member N. J. Zivkovic. In 2011 she was awarded the Cultural Prize of the city of Kyoto. In 2018 she is invited to perform at PASIC 2018.
  
  Ms. Omori has performed as a marimba soloist with many orchestras throughout Japan and has appeared on several Japanese television and radio broadcasts. She was a member of the jury for the final round of The Japan Classical Music Competition. She is always interested in performing and recording new works written especially for her as well as world premieres.
  
  She has given recitals and clinics around Europe, the USA, Hong Kong and Japan as a PEARL /ADAMS Percussion Instruments and Encore Mallets Inc. artist. Fall Creek Marimbas designed a new glockenspiel model named after Kana Omori - the “KANA-Glock”. Encore Mallets Inc. offers “Kana Omori Signature Mallets Series”.
  
  Kana Omori Official Web Site: http://kana-mallets.com
Credits +
- Front Cover graphics and layout: Nicola Lee
  Engraving: Kana Omori
  Printed in Copenhagen, Denmark
  Copyright © Edition SVITZER
  www.editionsvitzer.com

Item details

Related publications