ABSTRACT
The composer reflects on the experience of writing new music for shakuhachi. Inspired to write for shakuhachi by Torn Takemitsu’s piece November Steps, the author discusses the problem of what happens when a musical idea is moved from one culture to another. Examples from a new piece for shakuhachi are cited. Reflected in the sound of the shakuhachi, one sees the limitations and impossibilities of one’s own language. The non-congruence between one language and another is a space where interesting things happen.
