Description
The Kappa is an imaginary, amphibious creature from Japanese folklore with a bowl shaped scoop in the top of its head. Kappas live in rivers, and according to legend, they must keep the bowl in their head filled with water in order to survive on land. They’re known for being pranksters and trouble makers, so if you meet one, how do you chase it away? Like any polite member of Japanese society, bow. The kappa is also unfailingly polite and will bow back, pouring all of the water in its head onto the ground, forcing it to race back to the river.
This piece opens with a kappa peering out of the river water, then bravely running onto land to cause his mischief. Slips and drips, plops and hops are written into the solo part with a running river depicted in the piano part. Two Japanese pentatonic scales are loosely used as the piece’s harmonic foundation. At the coda, the kappa is abruptly caught in his trouble making, met by a wise person who promptly bows and says, “Ohayo gozaimasu!” (good morning). The kappa replies with his own bow, the water rushes out of the bowl on his head, and he quickly scampers back to his river home.
Programs beautifully on recitals alongside The Banshee and The Pink Dolphin!
Piano accompaniment link for violin players is available on Jennie’s YouTube channel.
Commissioned for 7 City Strings studio in Queen Creek, AZ.
