Lake Charles Community Band - Oshogatsu by Dennis Eveland

Oshogatsu by Dennis Eveland "As we continue our global holiday journey, we turn our attention to Japan and the New Year’s celebration known as Oshogatsu. While Christmas has become popular in Japan in recent decades, the New Year remains the country’s most important holiday, filled with traditions that date back centuries. Dennis Eveland’s piece, Oshogatsu, captures the spirit of this week-long festival, which is a time for families to come together, reflect on the past year, and welcome the new one with hope and renewal.
"Leading up to the New Year, Japanese people perform osoji, or 'big cleaning,' symbolizing a fresh start. Eveland’s composition reflects this mixture of celebration and introspection, using a variety of musical textures to paint the scene of Oshogatsu in full swing. You might hear echoes of traditional Japanese music as well as joyful, dance-like rhythms that evoke the energy of a new beginning. With Oshogatsu, we are transported to the bustling yet deeply meaningful atmosphere of a Japanese New Year’s celebration."