Dosei, Voices of the Earth

Dosei (土声), Voices of the Earth by Hikaru Sawai (1991)
Bass Koto and Shakuhachi

The two voices in this piece offer strongly contrasting timbres which complement each other as earth and sky.  There are two distinct movements, with the second being more intense and ominous.  The opening free rhythm suggests a tentative dialogue between the two voices.  The music then settles into an intensely energetic and dramatic argument.  The percussive koto exudes earthy energy while the shakuhachi is more lyrical and flowing.

The piece features frequent mood changes: aggressive and dissonant at times, lyrical and poignant at others.  A constant accumulation of motives drives the music forward.