Satoshi Yagisawa

Pandora's Box

This piece was commissioned by the Hokuryo Wind Ensemble of Chigasaki Hokuryo High School in the Kanagawa Prefecture of Japan, and was premiered by the ensemble, conducted by Toru Maruyama. Pandora is a woman who appears in Greek mythology - the first woman, created by the gods and sent to earth as an evil addition to the human race. 'Pan' means 'all' and 'dora' means 'gifted'. 'Pandora's Box' means 'what must not be opened'. The various stories surrounding this box inspired Yagisawa to write this dramatic piece, an addition to his series of pieces based on Greek mythology, such as Perseus (published by De Haske Publications). It is recommended that players read the Greek myth as inspiration.