6 Things to Know About Kaija Saariaho’s Six Japanese Gardens

The piece was composed in 1993 and revised in 1995. It is scored for percussion and electronics.

Each movement is inspired by a different Japanese garden. The gardens range from traditional rock gardens to modern landscapes.

The electronics layer natural and processed sounds. These include water, wind, and birds, blending with the percussion.

The percussionist plays a wide array of instruments. These include marimba, vibraphone, gongs, and tam-tams.

The piece is meant to evoke the meditative quality of the gardens. It avoids overt melody in favor of texture and atmosphere.

It is one of Saariaho’s most performed works. Its accessibility and vivid imagery make it a favorite in concert programs.