2005 (rev. 2006)

Hibakusha

for Solo Flute

Following the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, many survivors were plagued with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. These survivors are known as Hibakusha (pronounced “hih-BAHK-shah”). This piece seeks to capture their state of shock, sometimes described as a ‘frozen dream,’ as they were ever-haunted by their devastating past. While this was first envisioned as a larger ensemble piece, there is something profoundly isolating about the survivors’ condition, which suggested the solo instrumental treatment adopted here.

When performed in Japan, the piece is titled MEISO…hibakusha ni sasagu (Meditation…Dedicated to Hibakusha).

Music of Difference (2011)

LABEL: Beauport Classical
PERFORMER: Catherine Branch

Soliloquies (2009)

LABEL: Society of Composers, Inc.
PERFORMERS: Catherine Branch (Audio Engineer: Fran Schmidt)

Anthology of Contemporary Concert Music (2011)

PUBLISHER: PARMA Recordings’s New Music Website
Hibakusha in Anthology of Contemporary Concert Music (2011): 18-22.

SCI Journal of Music Scores, vol. 40 (2008)

PUBLISHER: The Society of Composers, Inc.
Hibakusha in The Society of Composers, Inc. Journal of Scores 40 (2008): 11-17.

“[In] Gaubert’s ‘Romance,’ flute and piano, and Alon’s “Meiso…dedicated to Hibakusha,’ solo flute, Buyse performed with healing tone, especially the second piece (Meiso), her performance sincerely brought us a message of memorial and prayer for peace.”

“…[the] ‘numb state of shock’ is put forth by spooky humming into the instrument, shivering flutter-tonguing, and pent sighs punctuating lonely melodic lines.”

Interview with Aaron Alon and Natalie Zeldin talking about “Hibakusha” (Caution: This begins loudly.)

Interview with Catherine Branch talking about “Hibakusha”
WXXI NPR in Rochester, NY
 Clip 1 (1:55) |  Clip 2 (2:13)