Alfred Reed

Sakura

Sakura, the cherry blossom, has always played a major role in the Japanese culture. The blossom stands as a symbol for precariousness and perishableness of life. When the blossom has reached its utmost beauty it dies and falls on the earth, a real symbol of human mortality. Spring (Haru) is heralded by the blooming of the cherry trees and in those special days the weather-forecasts mention on which days the first blossoms are expected in the different areas of the country. Watching the cherry blossoms is a favourite pastime in Japan. Parties are organized under the cherry trees to celebrate the arrival of Spring; this tradition is called Hanami (watching the flowers). The composition 'Sakura' is the second part of Alfred Reed's 'Fifth Symphony', a real masterpiece. In fact, the music is an arrangement of one of the oldest Japanese folksongs called 'Sakura'. It is a long elegiac and nostalgic tune, followed by a series of variations developed in individual instrumental groups. Geert Schrijvers wrote the arrangement of this beautiful work.