An Update

Hello!

I have not been posting much, in part because I’ve been working very desperately to complete this piece and to do it justice. I don’t know how that effort’s going, but I wanted to share an excerpt of poorly balanced MIDI. If you’re willing, I’d love for you to take a listen and let me know what you think. This is the emotional climax of the piece, setting a letter from a Japanese Tokkotai pilot to his young daughter.

This leads into a section which will deal with national anthems, beginning with the Japanese national anthem.

Here is the text:

Motoko,

Often, you looked at my face and smiled. You slept in my arms. [W]e took baths together [1]. When you grow up and want to know me, ask your mother and Aunt Kayo.

I have left my photo album at home for you. I gave you the name Motoko, hoping you would be a gentle, tender-hearted, and caring person.

I wish for you to be happy when you grow up and become a splendid bride, and though I die without you knowing me, you must never feel sad.

When you grow up and want to meet me, please come to Kudan Hill[2]. [I]f you pray deeply, surely your father’s face will appear within your heart. Even if something should happen to me, you must certainly not think of yourself as a fatherless child. I am always protecting you. Please be a person who takes loving care of others.

When you grow up and begin to think of me, please read this letter.

Father

P.S. I keep your doll in my plane as a charm. All will know Motoko was together with Father. I say this because being here without your knowing makes my heart ache.

The P.S. is to be spoken, except for “makes my heart ache”, which concludes the song.

You can hear the (again, let me remind you, unprepared MIDI) here.