A Five Tiered Pagoda by Moonlight by James Finamore
The Japanese woodblock "A Five Tiered Pagoda by Moonlight" by artist Eijiro Kobayashi (1870 - 1946) was the source of inspiration for this piece. I aim to share an experience of the viewer journeying through the scene depicted in the print.
The ominous fog descended upon the valley as two wanderers emerged. The shadowy figure on the left looked to be the size of a small child, the other tall and slender, possibly an elder. Their travels lead them at the foot of an abandoned pagoda tower. As the fog faded, the various floors of the tower were revealed until the moonlight pierced over the roof of the fifth floor. A full moon filled the night sky luring the valley to bask in its majestic rays. The fog crept back into the vale chasing away the pale moonlight that once shined upon the land. As darkness casted the landscape in shadow, portions of the tower were still visible like moments frozen in time. Then without warning, the mysterious scene vanished.
Performed by
Jathryn Racasa, flute
Sarah Champayn Look, clarinet
Joey Nakamoto, trombone
Ian Shanks, piano
Cynthia Matsumoto, vibraphone
Jacelyn Mendiha, percussion
© 2019 James Finamore - ASCAP
All Rights Reserved.
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