Yasuke by Kevin Leysath II
Want the Score and parts? Email me: kleysathiimusic@gmail.com
Nazareth College Wind Symphony
Kevin Leysath II, conductor
March 24, 2023
Intro 0:00
Yasuke 1:25
Yasuke was the first samurai of African descent. He served under Oda Nobunaga, one of the most important feudal lords in Japanese history who was a unifier of the country. This piece of music represents his journey from what we now call Mozambique to his setting in Japan, where he conducted his life as a samurai.
You will hear the mournful atmosphere of the Mozambique national anthem in the beginning to signify him being taken from to his homeland and then a moment of uncertainty as to what lies next for him farther east. The grand introductory section, featuring rhythmic patterns in the ensemble accompanied by dense percussion, cross-pollinates the polyrhythmic tendencies of African musical cultures and the pentatonic modality of music in Asia.
The music goes on to highlight moments, such as the awe that came over the community as they saw Yasuke walk through the town with his black skin (which they had never seen before) and great height. The next section highlights the soignée appearance of him in his kimono, leading to a heroic section of great unity while musical themes stay constant, even as textures change around them. The rich harmony throughout the piece conveys the beauty of Yasuke and the nobility of his life as a samurai.
