Philosopher’s Path

Philosopher’s Path is a peaceful, canalside walkway in Kyoto, Japan. It acquired its name because of the two philosophy professors from nearby Kyoto University who regularly walked along this cherry tree-lined waterway for exercise and meditation.

This composition represents a reflection of a journey, in which shifting musical episodes elicit various moods and sentiments. In the second half of the composition, the pentatonic Hirajōshi scale is featured. This scale was originally used in music for the shamisen, a fretless, three-stringed plucked instrument from Japan.