Sakura
Traditional Japanese Folk Song
Arranged by Ollie Lambert
6-parts - SAATBB
Sakura, or cherry blossom, is the national flower of Japan, where it symbolises a time of renewal and optimism. The lyrics of this traditional song beautifully capture the image of the blossoms as they begin to fall. The pink petals flutter across towns and mountains, seeming to settle across the land like a veil. Every year they are celebrated in a custom called Hanami which is more than a thousand years old and means “flower viewing”. Sakura has been part of the beginner koto repertoire since 1888 and has since become a nostalgic piece for many Japanese people. The koto is atraditional plucked string instrument which perfectly captures the imagery of this song without words. Contrary to the widespread belief that Sakura is an ancient folk song, it seems that it originated more recently and can be considered an urban melody.
