I'm doing a music appreciation project for one of my classes on Abe's "Variations on Japanese Children's Songs", and was wondering if it is known what children's songs were used; in my searches online and in program notes I cannot seem to find specific titles. It would really help me to fill out my presentation if I knew the names of the songs used.

Is the piece actually even variations on specific songs? Some program notes I have found seem to hint that the piece is based more on the tonality of such songs rather than actual pieces, but I haven't found specific confirmation of this either.

Any information you could provide on this topic would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks in advance!
Lindsay

Two songs are used.

1. Tohryanse
2. Teruteru Bozu

Tohryanse originates from Yedo period and has many stories about it. Tohryanse literally means "Pass here."

Tohryanse, Tohryanse.
Which narrow path is this path?
This is the path to the Tenjin Shrine.
Please let me pass through.
Without business, no one is allowed to.
For this day is this my child's seventh birthday,
I am going to submit the card to the shrine.
Going is fine, but returning is scary.
Though scary it is, Toryanse, Toryanse.

The second song, "Teruteru-bozu" is composed by Shinpei NAKAYAMA. Verse is by Shouson ASAHARA. It is the song asking "Teruteru Bozu (small simple doll which is supposed to have ability to control the weather) " to make tomorrow a fine day.

Teruteru-bozu, teru-bozu,
Please make tomorrow a fine day.
Like the sky that I dreamed one day,
If the sky clears tomorrow, I will give you a golden bell.

Teruteru-bozu, teru-bozu,
Please make tomorrow a fine day.
If the sky is overcast and be crying tomorrow,
I will cut your throat and dehead you.