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premiered by Chapman Chamber Musicians on October 25, 2024
MOMOTARO is arguably the most famous Japanese folktale out there. It follows the journey of a boy born out of a peach. An elderly woman saw the gigantic peach floating down the river and brought it home to her husband. They carefully cut it open, and out came a baby boy. They named him Momotaro, literally meaning “Peach Boy”. Momotaro ate endlessly and grew into a big, strong young boy. One day, he saw a bird overhead who told him to go to Demon Island to conquer the demons who had been ravaging their village and ruining their crops. He went home to tell the elderly man and woman who allowed him to travel, equipping him with sandals, a sword, and millet dumplings.
Along his journey to Demon Island, he befriends a dog, a monkey, and a pheasant by giving each a dumpling. They all join Momotaro on his quest. They arrive at Demon Island, stopping before a towering gate. They forcefully break through and surprise the demons on the other side. They defeated them one by one. The demons surrendered to Momotaro and his crew, forfeiting more treasure than one could ever imagine.
Momotaro and the gang return home, sharing the riches with the villagers, the elderly man and woman who raised him, and the animals that fought on his side. The demons never bothered them again.
In my opinion, this is a fun tale that is not trying to take itself so seriously. I convey that through using comical playing techniques on specific instruments or going over the top in certain moments. This is my interpretation of the legendary folktale.
Thomas Yamada
September 8, 2024