Red Dragonfly for Solo Marimba - 5 Min.; Arrangement of a Japanese children's song for 5-octave marimba by Fumito Nunoya; 4 mallets; advanced

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One of the beloved Japanese Children’s Song, Akatombo (Red Dragonfly), was composed by Kosaku Yamada in 1927 with the lyrics written by Rofu Miki. The lyrics say that “when I see a red dragonfly, I get a nostalgic feeling and recall my hometown and my mother”. It is said that the lyrics was from Miki’s own experience.   

Before his passing, my grandfather (who was so kind) owned numerous rice fields in Japan. Every autumn, swarms of red dragonfly fly over the golden rice fields. Each time I perform Red Dragonfly, I recall my youth and the warmth of my grandfather come flooding back to me.   

Lastly, I would like to thank all the people who have helped me during the process of making this arrangement. Without their help, it would not have been possible.

Fumito Nunoya