Ikiru for orchestra
From the G. Schirmer Rental Library
Date of Printing________________
New York, NY
G. Schirmer, Inc.
Ian Cusson
Ikiru for orchestra
Score
Commissioned by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Gustavo Gimeno, Music Director, in collaboration with CAMH Shkaabe Makwa Centre, 2023.
First performed on June 7, 2024 at Roy Thompson Hall in Toronto, Ontario by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Gustavo Gimeno, conductor.
G. Schirmer, Inc. New York, NY
Piccolo
2 Flutes
2 Oboes
English Horn
2 Clarinets in Bb
Bass Clarinet in Bb
3 Bassoons (III = Contrabassoon)
4 Horns in F
3 Trumpets in C
2 Tenor Trombones
Bass Trombone
Tuba
Timpani
Percussion (2 players)
Player 1: Snare Drum, Bass Drum, Crash Cymbals, Tom-toms
Player 2: Suspended Cymbal, Tam-tam, Tom-tom, Xylophone, Crotales
Harp
Strings (12.10.8.6.5)
duration 10’
Note:
Ikiru is inspired by the 1952 film ‘Ikiru’ (To Live) by Akira Kurosawa. Kanji Watanabe, a bureaucrat, learns that he is dying of stomach cancer. In his final days he pursues what it means to live a good life, inspired by his younger co-worker, Toyo. To live, he realizes, one must create. In the end, and against seemingly impossible odds, he builds a playground in a slum neighbourhood. At his funeral, the women of the community who petitioned the building of the playground weep for the man who brought joy to their community as his final act in life.
Throughout, ‘solo’ is used to indicate primary melodic material.
— Ian Cusson
Hn.1.3 Tbn.1.2