On 'Bamboo Dragonfly': Makiko Kinoshita x Eriko Kishida — The heart taking flight and the heart seeing off, captured in 'The Number of Flowers'
Composer: Makiko Kinoshita / Lyricist: Eriko Kishida
Introduction
"The Number of Flowers" is a song cycle consisting of about 10 pieces composed by Makiko Kinoshita to the poems of Eriko Kishida, and
it is now cherished not only as a solo vocal work but also in choral arrangements (for women's and mixed voices).
Among them, "Bamboo Dragonfly" is particularly impressive for its transparent poetry and music,
making it a highly popular piece for both solo recitals and choral stages.
✦ The World of the Poem
I told myself to go as high as possible, as far as possible, but what if I really end up going away?
Within this short phrase, the feeling of "wanting to go" and the feeling of "not wanting you to go" exist simultaneously.
I believe that is the great charm of this song.
The bamboo dragonfly likely symbolizes both the hope of taking flight and the loneliness of flying away.
At first, I projected my own inner turmoil when facing a challenge—
"I want to go," "but I'm scared," "I might never be able to return"—onto these feelings.
However, when I think about it, this is a song that can also be sung from the perspective of the one "sending someone off."
For example, as a parent seeing off a child.
As a teacher watching over a student.
"Go ahead. But don't forget this place."
It seems to be a song where the way it is felt changes depending on the listener's position.
The Musical Beauty of the Bamboo Dragonfly
From the piano prelude, the image of a bamboo dragonfly spinning and soaring into the sky as it catches the wind comes to mind.
In just a few measures, the genius of Makiko Kinoshita in depicting the vastness of the sky and the sense of ascent is incredible!!!
It is also deeply moving how a somewhat poignant atmosphere drifts through the lightness.
The "Bamboo Dragonfly" I Feel
Every time I sing it, "someone" comes to mind.
My past self, someone about to set off on a journey, the profile of someone full of hope.
Taking flight and seeing someone off both require courage, don't they?
Conclusion
When I listen to this song, along with the bamboo dragonfly that seems about to fly away and leave, I also feel a certain "connection."
Even if you fly away, even if you leave, your heart remains behind.
That is precisely why—"Don't forget this place."
It overlaps with my own feelings of longing for my hometown.
I send out an email newsletter to help you tune your heart and voice
If you are:
・Feeling a bit tired in mind or body lately
・Finding it hard to use your voice or express your feelings
・Wanting to take a new step forward
I deliver "messages like a gentle breeze" that you can read at such times
through the [Uta Kokokara] email newsletter.
From the three perspectives of music, psychology, and the body,
I share tips for gently tuning your daily voice and heart.
