Shakuhachi Solo Flute
Godai: Journey Through the Elements (五大: 五大元素の旅)
Godai: Journey Through the Elements (五大: 五大元素の旅) is a solo shakuhachi project that invites listeners on an immersive, meditative journey through the fundamental forces of nature. Drawing on ancient traditions and the profound symbolism of the five elements, this collection unfolds in five movements—each dedicated to an elemental aspect of our world: Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Void (or Space).
In this work, the shakuhachi transcends its role as an instrument to become a voice for nature itself—a medium through which the eternal interplay of creation, transformation, and dissolution is expressed. “Godai: Journey Through the Elements” is an exploration of how these timeless forces not only shape the natural world but also our inner landscape, inviting both performer and listener to reconnect with the elemental rhythms that sustain life.
Each movement will be accompanied by its own description, delving into the unique character and inspiration drawn from its respective element. Together, they form a holistic meditation on the unity of nature and the spirit.
Earth (Chi 地)
“Earth (Chi 地)” is the first movement in D minor (RO) in my five-part in “Godai – Journey Through the Elements (五大– 五 大元素の旅).” It is a tribute to Earth, the mother ship of life.
The piece begins with a long, breath-filled note, symbolizing the Earth’s creation and the emergence of life. This evolves into a melodic theme that evokes a sense of safety and harmony, offering gratitude for the marvels of existence and the forces that sustain it. As you listen hold the earth in your hand symbolically and feel the magnetism. Silence moments through the score are part of the performance.
Water (Mizu ⽔)
Water (Mizu ⽔ ) is the second movement in A minor in my ve-part work, Godai – Journey Through the Elements (五 ⼤ – 五 ⼤ 元 素 の 旅 ). This movement is meant to evoke the sound of a gentle rain—slow, drippy, and intimate, where each raindrop is distinctly heard. At times, the rain gathers, speeding up slightly and becoming a bit louder , only to return to a soft, delicate state.
Fire (Ka ⽕)
Fire (Ka ⽕ ) is the third movement in E minor from my five-part work, Godai – Journey Through the Elements (五 ⼤ – 五 ⼤ 元 素 の 旅 ). Feel the sacred warmth of ame as it illuminates the spirit and stirs the soul. In this movement, ery hues of crimson, gold, and amber come alive through every note, inviting a deep, spiritual connection. Let the crackling warmth resonate within your chest and guide your breath—each subtle vibrato on long tones embodies the gentle icker of embers, while sudden dynamic bursts glow like divine embers dancing in the night. As you close your eyes, envision sacred re transforming darkness into illumination, purifying and renewing. Embrace this movement as a devotional act: allow the colors and heat of the music to awaken your inner light and kindle a profound sense of wonder and renewal.
Air (Fū ⾵)
“Air (Fū ⾵ )” is the fourth movement in B minor from my ve-part work, Godai – Journey Through the Elements (五 ⼤ – 五 ⼤ 元 素 の 旅 ). This movement embodies the elusive, ever-changing nature of air . The choice of B minor lends the piece a re ective, introspective quality, evoking gentle melancholy alongside the invigorating spirit of wind singing through nature with echoing whispers.
Space – Akasha (空)
Space (Akasha 空) is the final movement in C/A minor (RI) in my five-part work, Godai – Journey Through the Elements (五大 – 五大元素の旅). Representing the boundless and unseen, Akasha is the element of pure potential—the vast, infinite space from which all things emerge and to which all things return. It is the realm beyond the physical, the silent void that holds all existence together.
As the concluding chapter of Godai, Space (Akasha 空) is both an ending and a beginning—an invitation to contemplate the unseen forces that shape our reality and the eternal cycle of existence.
Note: Silence measures are part of the performance – including at start of piece.
Pierre Bohemond, composer 