Star Ship for String Orchestra

In Japan there is an old tale which has been told since before time began. Two of the most beautiful stars in the night sky are Altair, representing Man and Vega, representing Woman. These two lovers can meet each other only one time each year, on the night of July 7th. Living on opposite sides of the Milky Way, they have to ride a ship to meet each other on that night. If it rains, they cannot see each other because the river of light in the sky is swollen. The name of the star ship that Altair and Vega ride is called "Hoshi no Fune." I wanted to express in music the pain of these separated lovers. -Yukiko Nishimura