[Choral Piece] High Difficulty! A selection of works that are hard to sing

Peace on EarthSakushi: Tsurumi Masao / Sakkyoku: Ogikubo Kazuaki

IN TERRA PAX Peace on Earth (from the mixed chorus suite “IN TERRA PAX Peace on Earth”)

A piece distinguished by its grand worldview, with lyrics by Masao Tsurumi and music by Kazuaki Ogikubo.

Centered on the theme of a wish for peace, it brims with expressive variety—from sections as powerful as a fanfare to fresh, vivid passages.

Released in 1990, the work has been beloved by a wide range of choirs, from elementary school groups to adult ensembles, and in the 1990s it secured a firm place as a staple free-choice piece in competitions.

Though technically demanding—with tempo changes, complex rhythms, and a wide vocal range—the sense of accomplishment after performing it is exceptional.

It is a work of deep meaning that also prompts reflection on peace.

Time Travelersakushi: Fukada Junko, sakkyoku: Hashimoto Shōji

Time Traveler

Released in 1990, “Toki no Tabibito” (Time Traveler) is a three-part mixed chorus piece with lyrics by Junko Fukada and music by Yoshimichi Hashimoto.

The secret behind the song’s difficulty lies in its rich use of key changes! Part 1 is in F major, Part 2 in D minor, Part 3 in D major, and Part 4 in G major—rapid, dramatic modulations that can easily cause you to miss notes if you’re not careful.

In addition, the soprano doesn’t carry the melody throughout; the lead line shifts between parts at each modulation, making it quite a challenge to memorize who sings the main melody when.

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Yuuki

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river mouthSakushi: Maruyama Yutaka / Sakkyoku: Dan Ikuma

Mixed Chorus Suite Chikugo River V. Estuary with Lyrics

Estuary depicts the flow of a river from its upstream course down to the sea.

Because the movement of the river mirrors the journey of students from enrollment to graduation, it is also cherished as a graduation song.

The female vocal range is high, so careful attention to vocal technique is necessary.

Adding expressive nuance is also challenging, so be sure to interpret the lyrics thoroughly as you sing.

Moreover, the accompaniment is extremely difficult, making the pianist’s role especially critical.

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SAKI

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proofflumpool

Akashi / flumpool [Mixed Chorus, 3 Parts]

Selected as the set piece for the NHK All-Japan School Music Competition junior high school division, this work depicts two people parting as they pursue their dreams.

The lyrics express the loneliness of losing an “ordinary warmth” and lingering feelings for the other person, yet they also convey the importance of having the courage to move forward.

Released in December 2011, the song was also broadcast on NHK’s Minna no Uta.

Although there are challenging aspects—such as achieving beautiful harmonies and handling the rhythm—please practice well and let your wonderful singing voices resonate!

ChessboardFujiwara Satoshi

Satoshi Fujiwara (Official HIGE DANDism) / Chessboard

“Chessboard” is a song that celebrates the diversity of life and the importance of the choices we make within it.

Released in August 2023, the track was written and composed by Satoshi Fujihara of Official HIGE DANDism and was selected as the set piece for the Junior High School Division of the 90th NHK All-Japan School Music Competition.

In a world like a checkered pattern where happiness and sorrow intersect, the song asks what role we are to play.

Its message—that both failure and success are all preparation for the future, and that a day will come when past events will take on color—will resonate deeply with the hearts of junior high and high school students living in the coming era.

A Billion Light-Years of SolitudeKinoshita Makiko

Two Billion Light-Years of Solitude (Music: Makiko Kinoshita / Poetry: Shuntaro Tanikawa) - Mixed Chorus Collection “Beyond the Horizon” - Nihon University Chorus

A choral work by Makiko Kinoshita themed on the vastness of the universe and human loneliness.

Marked by frequent key changes and syncopated rhythms, it expresses human insignificance within the immense cosmos.

Since its 1992 premiere, it has continued to be loved by a wide range of listeners—from middle and high school choirs to general music enthusiasts.

It is available in various scorings—mixed three-part, women’s chorus, and men’s chorus—each with its own distinct appeal.

The lyrics, based on a poem by Shuntaro Tanikawa, carry profound philosophical themes that resonate deeply with listeners.

It’s a perfect piece to sing together when you want to unite hearts, such as at choral competitions or graduation ceremonies.

A Song on the LipsLyrics: C. Flying Dutchman / Music and Composition: Nobunaga Takafumi

A Song on the Lips – from “A Song on the Lips” for Mixed Chorus and Piano [Sing with TOHKON 2019]

A masterpiece whose beautiful melody and powerful message resonate deeply.

German and Japanese are exquisitely fused, and the hope-filled lyrics inspire all who listen.

Thanks to Takafumi Nobunaga’s delicate arrangement, the poetic world is brilliantly expressed in music.

Premiered in 2005 as a male choir version, it was later released in mixed and female choir versions and has been loved by many choirs.

While the difficulty level is on the higher side, the sense of accomplishment when you sing it through is exceptional! Why not give it a try?