Notes from the arranger
While quite a melancholy and meditative melody, its lyrics are nevertheless cheerful and joyous. “Sakura” is one of the oldest Japanese folk songs and is entirely composed from the sounds of the Japanese pentatonic scale (Hirajouji), which is, again very different from the familiar pentatonics of Chinese music. Unpretentious and simple at first glance, the song nevertheless unfolds to majestic dignity. For me personally, it is Japan’s greatest gift to the world of music.
Kristal Barlaan –
For over 2 year San Jose Youth Symphony Harp Ensemble has had the honor to work with Mr. Maerz. He is a brilliant composer for and knows how to write for the harp at all levels.
After the SJYS Harp Ensembles perfomance at the at the 2018 National Harp Conference, Mr. Maerz and I began working together. He promised to send my Ensemble some new pieces that captured the youth and talent of the young harpist who performed. He wanted something strong and delicate. He wrote us two pieces for our 2018-2019 season Sakura and In a Placid Garden. When we began working on these pieces, everyone was instantly in love with the music and how well it fit for the harp. These pieces are now a favorite and highlight in our repertoire and are preformed regularly.
The audience loved this pieces as well!