Rakugo or ‘fallen words’ is a traditional form of Japanese entertainment performed by a lone seated storyteller (rakugoka) with very few props if any at all. The complications of each story its dramatic arc characterizations and plot turns are expressed using extremely minimal means relying on the verbal talents of the rakugoka to maintain interest. This idea is explored in this work for solo organ by Tarik O'Regan: Fallen Words. The piece uses a simple pedal-like thread from start to finish around which is woven the performer’s ‘story’. Stephen Farr in the March/April 2015 issue of Choir and OrganMagazine suggests that a 'good performance' of Fallen Words 'will be hypnotic' and 'the ability of the performer to engage an audience with the most subtle of nuances is of crucial importance.'
