We’ve updated our Terms of Use to reflect our new entity name and address. You can review the changes here.
We’ve updated our Terms of Use. You can review the changes here.

Benkei's Standing Death for String Quartet

by Paul Wiancko

/
  • Streaming + Download

    Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
    Purchasable with gift card

      $10 USD  or more

     

1.
2.

about

Benkei's Standing Death (2020) for string quartet
Composed by Paul Wiancko

Original conceptual recording performed by Paul Wiancko. All rights reserved.

The story:

Part I: The Thousandth Encounter
In 12th century Kyoto, warrior monk Saitō Musashibō Benkei wanders the night on his continual quest to claim a thousand swords from arrogant and unworthy samurai. Currently one victory shy of his goal, he heads to a shrine to pray. But while crossing Gojo Bridge, he encounters Ushiwakamaru—a diminutive boy playing the flute and wearing an impressive sword. Benkei challenges him to a duel. Ushiwakamaru seems to fly as he effortlessly defeats Benkei in an astonishing display of skill and agility. The humbled warrior monk bows down and swears loyalty to the boy, vowing to serve him for the rest of his days. The boy accepts.

Part II: The Battle of Koromogawa
After many adventures and hard-fought battles with faithful Benkei at his side, Ushiwakamaru has come to be known as Minamoto no Yoshitsune, a celebrated general and half-brother to Yoritomo, the future shogun. Betrayed by a jealous Yoritomo, Yoshitsune is forced into hiding but eventually tracked down in Koromogawa. There is no escape. Now under siege on the bridge to Yoshitsune's residence, Benkei single-handedly defeats hundreds of Yoritomo's men, allowing time for Yoshitsune to retreat indoors and commit seppuku. Countless arrows rain down on Benkei, but he refuses to fall—and continues to block the entrance. Only when the remaining soldiers cautiously approach does it become apparent that Benkei is dead, albeit still standing—propped up by the arrows that killed him.

Benkei's Standing Death was commissioned for the Attacca Quartet with support from the Adele and John Gray Endowment Fund. Premiered by the Attacca Quartet on February 8, 2020 at SITE Santa Fe in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

credits

released January 22, 2023

license

all rights reserved

tags

about

Paul Wiancko Brooklyn, New York

Innovative cellist/composer Paul Wiancko has performed Lutoslawski Cello Concerto with the Polish Radio Symphony, studied Schumann Trios with Richard Goode at Marlboro, and improvised with Chick Corea at the Blue Note. He has composed works for Met soprano Susanna Phillips, Parker and Aizuri Quartets, yMusic, Bargemusic, Caramoor, Newburyport, Twickenham, and Methow Valley chamber music festivals. ... more

contact / help

Contact Paul Wiancko

Streaming and
Download help

Report this album or account

If you like Paul Wiancko, you may also like: