• Karen Tanaka
  • The Song of Songs (1996)

  • Chester Music Ltd (World)

Commissioned by the Xebec Hall

Download the performance audio

  • Cello/electronics
  • 8 min

Programme Note

The title comes from the Song of Solomon of the Old Testament, which is a beautiful song of love. It begins as follows:

The song of songs, which is Solomon's.
Let him kiss me with the kisses of his mouth: for thy love is better than wine.
Because of the savour of thy good ointments thy name is as ointment poured forth,
therefore do the virgins love thee.

I have attempted to project this sensual song of love onto the sound of cello and computer. My intention was to weave color and scent into the sound while blending the ancient story and today's technology. The sound of cello is consistently gentle and tender.

This work was commissioned by Yutaka Fujishima and the Xebec Hall. It was first performed by Ryoichi Fujimori in Mito, Japan, on 10th November 1996.

© Karen Tanaka

Media

Discography

Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis
  • Label
    New Albion Records
  • Catalogue Number
    NA120
  • Soloist
    Joan Jeanrenaud
  • Released
    2002

Red Velvet

Red Velvet
  • Label
    TRPTK
  • Catalogue Number
    TTK0011
  • Soloist
    Maya Fridman, cello

Electricity

Electricity
  • Label
    Albany Records
  • Catalogue Number
    TROY726
  • Soloist
    Madeleine Shapiro

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