Worldly Wednesday: “The Man in the Desert,” Yoko Kanno

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Something wakes up, stirs, and evolves in this piece.  It starts so simply but builds to a massive and complicated climax before resolving back to the six-note lilt with which it began.  It’s so hopeful throughout.  It feels like running your fingers over an angora blanket.  (Now is probably a good time to mention that your Yankette has mild synesthesia, which is when the senses get a little jumbled and, in this case, sounds have colors and textures.)  The beginning especially sounds like a convergence of Aaron Copland and Steve Reich, both of whom I love.  Yoko Kanno is a modern Japanese composer from Sendai, Japan.

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She is mostly known for her soundtracks to anime films and video games.  This is my favorite piece of hers.  I have been looking everywhere for the words.  Intrepid readers, if any of you can find them, I would really appreciate it.

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