Dr. Gail Levinsky, woodwind professor and co-author of Teaching Woodwinds: A Guide for Students and Teachers, once said that the saxophone is the closest instrument to the human voice. This quote resonated with me, as well as the many pieces in the woodwind repertoire that reference classical song forms. Circlesongs on Joseph Hardy Neesima came into being after listening to these songlike saxophone pieces, as well as the many Japanese saxophone compositions well known in the repertoire. Many of these pieces seek to emulate shakuhachi playing, and learning more about Joseph Hardy Neesima, relative of one of my favorite poets, inspired me to start work. Neesima is not a hero for going through combat. While many artists choose to immortalize combat heroes in their music, I feel there is a great need to immortalize the lesser-known peaceful heroes of history as well.

Joseph Hardy Neesima, born Niijima J­ō, grew up in a samurai family. He wanted to pursue an education in America, but travel outside of Japan was illegal at the time. He convinced a American ship captain to hide him on a ship on his way back to America, for if he was caught traveling outside of the country, he would be executed. He made it to America and began living with the Hardy family, changing his name to reflect this. Neesima became a minister during this time, and became an assistant and translator to the Iwakura Mission, an initiative by the Meiji government to conduct diplomacy and learn from Western territories. Neesima eventually returned to Japan and founded Doshisho University. He died in 1890, after uttering his last words, "Peace, joy, heaven."

These songs attempt to capture Neesima at the most famous parts of his life, while still searching for the personality of the man. The audio part helps to bridge the gap between Eastern and Western styles, exploring various timbres and effects that would have to be compensated for if applied to acoustic instruments. It is my hope that the end product takes the listener on Neesima's journey while causing reflection on their own place in our vast world.