Page:Art Songs of Japan.djvu/29

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Fuji

Ode to the Mountain Fujiyama

Japanese theme

It seems fitting to close this little group of Uta with the "Ode to Fujiyama" for this typifies the depth of reverence and worship of the Japanese for the beautiful in nature.

The majesty and beauty of this noble mountain have been constant themes for poets and painters, and a Japanese writer declares, "from time immemorable Fujiyama has exercised a silent influence on the formation of Japanese character."

Mt. Fuji stands isolated in the midst of a great plain, and on its southern side slopes gracefully down to the sea. In winter it is covered from base to summit with snow. It may be seen from thirteen provinces of Nippon. The solemn grandeur and impressive beauty of Fujiyama make it one of the noblest mountains in the world.