Description

Orinally composed by Teiichi Okano (1878-1941), this arrangement of FURUSATO (My Homeland) expresses the common longing for Home.

This piece is from the STORMWORKS... Chapter V∞ CD.

Testimonials

"Steve-san, I heard "FURUSATO" in a car today. I am very splendid! It was the atmosphere that a totally Japanese composer arranged. You understand Japan from the heart. Wonderful!!!" -Taku Karasuyama, Nagasaki City Symphonic Band Conductor

"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

"Take a deep breath. Now: Listen to the creation of the world as seen by Stephen Melillo, a composer who confesses his personal God-link in such works as GODSPEED and SPEECH OF ANGELS, each of which opened the two sections of the program. It was like this: a shattering of the former silence, and then an opening, an awakening of the spirit (in GODSPEED) after which a choir of sounds never heard before (SPEECH OF ANGELS) brings a message of comfort and hope.

Melillo is to wind music what Beethoven was to the symphony orchestra, and he follows a Beethovenesque design of increasing the musical tension almost to the breaking point, receding, and then reaching again. It is superlative musical craftsmanship and inspiring to hear." -Marvin Sosna, Special to The Tribune

"Dear Mr. Melillo; I once heard a man, speaking of one of is colleagues, use the words, 'In this case, I use superlatives with integrity.' I share that thought as I write to you now. However, I find myself both chagrined and distressed to discover that the English language, which I love so dearly, is totally inadequate to offer me words to describe the feelings I had as I was exposed, for the first time, to MUSASHI. The mind would not allow me to hear it, it wouldn't permit me to simply listen to it. I was only privileged to 'experience' it. After 75 years of concert going, after listening to all of the great masters, I knew I had been brought to that 'one brief, shining moment,' that enthralled me almost to a point of disbelief." -Mr. L.R. Brant

"Steve, I am right now working on the score to A WALK ON THE WATER and it reminded me so much of all the things I wanted to tell you about our time together, and the MUSASHI experience. It is very difficult to put in to words, but you and your music are a real breath of fresh air in this world of meaningless, commercial hum drum compositions that pollute the ears and minds of young musicians. More importantly you always kept the integrity of your music FIRST in spite of so many things that you had to overcome. It is with much pride and admiration that I had the opportunity to work with you and more importunity to be able to call you a friend." -Harry Pfingsten, Commissioner of Musashi