Takemitsu: I Hear The Water Dreaming; Toward The Sea I/II/III

Immerse yourself in the serene and evocative soundscape of Toru Takemitsu's "I Hear The Water Dreaming; Toward The Sea I/II/III," a masterful blend of Japanese classical music released in 2000 under the prestigious Deutsche Grammophon label. This album, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, is a testament to Takemitsu's unique compositional style, seamlessly weaving together elements of Japanese tradition and Western influences.

The album features a variety of tracks, including the enchanting "I Hear the Water Dreaming" and the three-part suite "Toward the Sea," each part consisting of three movements: "The Night," "Moby Dick," and "Cape Cod." These compositions are performed by an ensemble of exceptional musicians, including Patrick Gallois on flute, Fabrice Pierre on harp, and the BBC Symphony Orchestra conducted by Andrew Davis. The album also includes a solo flute piece, "Air for flute solo," and an arrangement of Erik Satie's "La Vocation," titled "Le fils des étoiles."

"Toward the Sea" was notably commissioned by Greenpeace for their Save the Whales campaign, adding a layer of environmental consciousness to Takemitsu's already rich musical tapestry. The album showcases Takemitsu's ability to create atmospheric and introspective pieces, making it a standout work in his discography. Whether you're a longtime fan of Takemitsu's work or a newcomer to his music, this album offers a captivating journey through the composer's distinctive sound world.

Toru Takemitsu, a pioneering figure in Japanese classical music, is renowned for his unique ability to blend Eastern and Western musical traditions. Born in Tokyo, Takemitsu was largely self-taught, developing a distinctive style that subtly manipulates instrumental and orchestral timbre. His compositions, which often fuse sound with silence and tradition with innovation, have earned him global acclaim, making him the first East Asian composer to achieve worldwide recognition. Takemitsu's extensive body of work includes several hundred independent pieces, film scores for over ninety movies, and twenty published books on aesthetics and music theory. His musical journey began at the age of 16, inspired by Western music heard through radio broadcasts during the post-war 1940s. Takemitsu's influence extends beyond his compositions, as he was also a founding member of the experimental music group Jikken Kobo. His works continue to be celebrated and performed by orchestras worldwide, showcasing his enduring impact on the music world.