Description

"If you follow the present-day world, you will turn your back on the Way; if you would not turn your back on the Way, do not follow the world." -Takuan Soho

Recommended Reading:

• The 47 Ronin Story... by John Allyn
• The Unfettered Mind... by Takuan Soho (translated by William Scott Wilson)
• A Book of Five Rings... by Miyamoto Musashi
• The Five People You Meet in Heaven... by Mitch Albom
• Musashi... by Eiji Yoshikawa

PROGRAM NOTES

Removed from the historic Life-and-Death bout awaiting him, "Musashi saw the white paper as the great universe of nonexistence. A single stroke would give rise to existence within it. He could evoke rain or wind at will, but whatever he drew, his heart would remain in the painting forever. If his heart was tainted, the picture would be tainted; if his heart was listless, so would the picture be. If he attempted to make a show of his craftsmanship, it could not be concealed. Men's bodies fade away, but ink lives on. The image of his heart would continue to breathe after he himself was gone. He realized that his thoughts were holding him back. He was on the brink of entering the world of nonexistence, of letting his heart speak for itself, independent of his ego, free from the personal touch of his hand. He tried to be empty, waiting for that sublime state in which his heart could speak in unison with the universe, selfless and unhampered."

For the second Time in approaching 30 years, I've just finished reading the marvelous epic novel, MUSASHI by Eiji Yoshikawa. The Circle ... .... expands. "A circle? What could it mean? He let his thoughts flow. A perfectly round line, no beginning, no end, no deviation. If expanded infinitely, it would become the universe. If contracted, it would become coequal with the infinitesimal dot in which his soul resided."

Also at that Time, not really so long ago, I approached a young man who was carefully brushing this painting. I watched him throughout its entire rendering. When he was done, he turned to me and with a generous smile, offered the picture to me as a gift. He scribed a personal note on the back, one which I will always cherish. Though, indeed, so much Time has passed, the circle of that synchronous connection endures. This piece, inspired by the reminiscence of boyhood studies and adventures past is, in part, a small gift back to him, John Hrabushi, and to all people who send into the Universe waves of kindness which begin as gentle ripples and expand in their touching, until one day they become manifest as an act of unbridled Heroism and Giving.

This work is my small way of thanking the people of Japan for their generous embracing of the Music I quietly set to ink. Their great History and Culture spawns the Musashi's of yesterday... and the Musashi's of Tomorrow.

Please visit the Score and Score Notes for more detailed information.

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

Testimonials

After the premiere in Cleveland...

"Dear Steve, We did MUSASHI 5 times since May, and we feel increasing our fascination and love for this extraordinary music. We played Musashi at World Music Contest in Kerkrade last Sunday. The audience was moved on and electrified, we got standing ovations. This Music is to touch the souls and to inspire people." -Karl Geroldinger, Conductor of SBO-Ried, Austria

After the premiere in Tokyo...
"Hi Steve, Musashi was the first production to play at the night. Douglas made a short speech (in Japanese!). He said...'Melillo made Musashi for tonight's audience, as well as all Japanese people.' Audience applaused for that. It began. It knocked me down. Although I already knew the whole production, everything was so fresh. TKWO did it good, Steve. You will love to listen to that. There was the enormous energy and emotion in the production. I'm pretty sure Musashi knocked everyone down as well. I can prove that by the pictures I took...you'll love it! I am so interested to know how the people would react after they listened Musashi. They expected more like 'American-duplicates-Japanese-Exotic-Music'. And as we know, it is not like that. The second production at the night was based on old Japanese music. It was funny. A Japanese composes 'Japanese-flavored' music and YOU composed 'Japan'. No one did not expect such Musashi from an American composer. You know how EM did his work with Musashi show. I think people were expecting something like that. But for this one, it was more too deep. You know, EM wrote his music inspired by Musashi. But you are not 'inspired'. It's part of you." -Ichiro Asuke, Friend from Japan

"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

"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