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Message from the Japanese, with Steve's message below...

Even saying "Action Speaks Louder Than Words" has become a cliche which lessens the impact of Action itself.

The Japanese Musicians and decision-makers who have come together to make this Historic Recording demonstrate by ther Doing, a brave quality of leadership, a spirit of Good Will and Brotherhood that serves as a role model for the generations to follow.

This is the translated message from The Central Band of the Japan Air Self Defense Force concerning the epic Documentary in Music, KAKEHASI: THAT WE MIGHT LIVE. This work comprises the entire 2nd CD in the 2 CD Set.

"Sixty Years ago during the very month of this recording, a terrible war was fought which even unto this day still leaves its many scars. During this World War II, the United States and Japan fought each other on and under the Pacific Ocean, on the islands of the Pacific, and in Southeast Asia. Hundreds of thousands of Japanese and American soldiers and civilians were sacrificed to this war.

Alive today because of the sacrifices of so many, we have an obligation to overcome the past. Never allowing it to be forgotten, we must, together, rise above it and build a glorious future for the sake of those who came before us... and for those who will come after. Past to future, nation to nation, culture to culture, and with mutual respect for each other’s homeland, a new bridge will be built to the future. This is Kakehashi... the Bridge to the Future.

There is no limit in time or terrain. That bridge is within each of us. It will be built when we raise our courage, even above courage itself and learn to see the Brotherhood in all of us. KAKEHASHI: That We Might Live, is based on the relationship between American and Japanese who fought in great adversity during WWII. Both fought for their nation, for the completion of their mission, and for the people they loved... at Home.

Now, those same two countries cooperate in Brotherhood across the vast Pacific Ocean. The past is overcome with the Hope of the Future. These two countries now become a timely and much needed model for forgiveness and friendship.

KAKEHASHI: That We Might Live is rendered as a Documentary in Music. It effectively incorporates the actual radio broadcasts and music that aired during WWII. In fact 70 copyrights were purchased in order to make this work truly authentic. At the end of this epic work, there are two songs. They symbolize the Home that we LOVE and that we must understand in each other. God Bless America with its “Home sweet Home” is identical to Furusato which represents Home in Japanese. To put these tunes at the end of this large-scale work reflects the idea that we love our Home and that we have the feeling of longing for Home even if differing in country or race or religion or ideology.

KAKEHASHI: That We Might Live... This epic Documentary is rendered by a specially organized wind ensemble and huge choral section. To this dramatic work, the remarkable effects of additional prerecorded original music, radio programs, military songs and actual Morse code transmissions from WWII in the Pacific are adjoined. The prerecorded tracks are on a CD that comes with the score. We are honored to be the message-bearers... to bring this music to you, and to work for an eternal peace."

The Central Band of the Japan Air Self Defense Force

 

"Hello Steve, STORMWORKS...Chapter 5:8 WRITINGS on the WALL was heard. It was very wonderful. It is full of the gratitude for the thing that Steve thought of the thing of my hometown so much. Thank you really! KAKEHASHI was very impressed. The thing that there is no border in music has been transmitted very well through this music. The favorite my is best CONCERTO for VIOLIN and GOD BLESS AMERICA and MUSASHI. Impression was very received. This work collection will really become Steve's highest masterpiece. It is the highest masterpiece in me. Thank you really for the elegant gift: Shinya Tagawa, in JAPAN

"Stephen's new CD, Chapter 5:8 "Writings on the Wall" is indeed a historic groundbreaking album and a total artistic triumph. The Japanese military band and American voices superbly deliver a phenomenal performance of music that is at once gripping and spellbinding! From the moving mega work Kakehashi to the great uplifting rendition of God Bless America this double CD set is packed with masterworks. Cuba skillfully weaves music which creates two distinct atmospheres - one of the fun party nature of Tropicana - like casinos and the other of the oppression of the island's present dictatorial regime. Melillo migrates back and forth between these two moods with absolute musical mastery and with the full command of all his instrumental resources. The Violin Concerto, on the other hand, symbolizes the utmost in modern Romanticism. It is an outstanding expressive work which puts the violin through a myriad of expressive and technical paths. Bravo to Melillo on this fantastic achievement!" Aldo Rafael Forte, Composer

A Special Message to those of you who consider yourselves the often over-looked Conductors & Musicians and Dedicated Music Educators..

Imagine how easy it would be to write pieces, have them recorded and sold in great quantities if the end-game result was state-lists, contests and field arrangements.

In your Heart, you know that Music is something more. That is why you are here at this site, even now. You know that your calling as a Music Educator is filled with Purpose and indeed, responsibility.

So now, I appeal to that Musician, that Conductor that Educator. I appeal to you beyond advertisements, beyond hyperbole of any kind, beyond booths at Midwest or wherever, and ask you to listen to and read about and discover Music whose purpose is Music.

Beyond the pieces that WILL nevertheless serve your pragmatic needs... pieces like JIDAI, FURUSATO,MUSASHI and CUBA, this CD SET is something for your Library, and your students' libraries.

KAKEHASHI: THAT WE MIGHT LIVE is a tangible, momentous, Recorded Document that defines the thing we always talk about as Music Educators, "Music healing and serving as a Universal Language."

This recording is an unheralded Triumph for our idiom... so please dissallow the lack of megaphones and usual big-publisher-fanfare to keep you from discovering an important contribution to Music and History.

Help create a new Circle of dedicated, pioneering Conductors. Invest in the Chapter 5:8 CD SET. Play the Music. Discover new ways to turn a concert into a Life-altering Event.

Please read about HISTORY IS MADE, and then please make a decision to invest in an important recording by an outstanding World ensemble.

Thank you & Godspeed! Steve

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