Cosmic Breath is a composition for wind quintet. In the classical world, this ensemble is often considered a standard fare chamber group. I have always wondered, “Why is the French horn included in this grouping?” To me, it stands out like an "elephant in the room."
Before delving into that question, I'd like to bring up my attempt and failure to compose for this instrumentation during my time as a student of music in college. I still vividly recall the "world premiere" of my wind quintet, performed in front of just seven (unfortunate) people in college, six of whom were, naturally, fellow musicians scheduled to perform other students' works after mine.
I can't recall the piece itself, but I do remember how unhappy and disappointed I was with myself at that moment. My writing for the horn was particularly abrasive and loud, and I felt that I couldn’t strike a balance within the ensemble.
Ever since the trauma of that day, I've hoped for the chance to redeem my younger self, to write a proper wind quintet.
I'm delighted that such a day has finally arrived! Thank you, Junge Deutsche Philharmonie and the New World Symphony for giving me a chance to overcome my past.
Cosmic Breath is my fresh take on the wind quintet. I have aimed to create a collective sound that transcends the quality of the individual instruments themselves. The French horn, in particular, plays notes that alternate between open and closed. This effect guides the ear to believe as if there are two horn players producing entirely different sounds. Occasionally, the bassoon will play high pitched notes that interweave themselves with the horn. There are also shimmering sounds produced by the clarinet, flute, and oboe that comprise textures including repeated note tremolos, sudden shifts in character, to flowing melodic lines, and more. I imagine this interwoven fabric as one person producing multiple "voices," and multiplying that polyphony by five. Needless to say, the French horn was the perfect instrument in terms of sound colour and unification for this formation.
I enjoyed composing for the wind quintet, carefully planning to ensure that each member has their moment to shine while simultaneously supporting the bigger picture.
Dai Fujikura (edited by Joseph Ehrenpreis)