Hyssop

A new edition of Noriko Koide's solo work Hyssop for fortepiano (or piano) has been made available for the first time from Schott Music. Hyssop (2008) is part of Koide's "Botanic Suite", comprising works for various instruments inspired by different plants. The work was commissioned by pianist Hiroaki Ooi, who premiered it in a recital at The Museum of Kyoto on 24 April 2008 on a fortepiano made by Johann Andreas Stein (A=421Hz). In writing the work Koide was inspired by fragrance and taste of the hyssop herb, and a friendly and delicate impression of the sound of fortepiano. Her aim with Hyssop was to write "compact, closed, moderately relaxed, humorous, and intimate, but frank music." Hyssop is characterised by the use of rhythms and grace notes reminiscent of Baroque Music and playful tempi, with an overarching sense of ennui. At just 4 minutes, it is a delicate and nuanced piece.