Takemitsu: String Around Autumn / I Hear the Water Dreaming / A Way A Lone Ii

Immerse yourself in the serene and evocative world of Toru Takemitsu with this captivating 2002 release, featuring a selection of his most enchanting compositions. This album showcases Takemitsu's mastery of orchestral and instrumental arrangements, blending traditional Japanese aesthetics with contemporary classical techniques. The four tracks, "A String Around Autumn," "I Hear the Water Dreaming," "A Way a Lone II," and "Riverrun," each offer a unique sonic experience, highlighting the composer's delicate touch and profound musical insight.

Recorded in June 2002, this album features performances by renowned musicians, including Sharon Bezaly, Philip Dukes, and Noriko Ogawa, accompanied by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales under the direction of Tadaaki Otaka. The compositions span various instrumental combinations, from solo piano and flute to full orchestral works, demonstrating Takemitsu's versatility and innovative spirit.

"String Around Autumn," with its hauntingly beautiful strings, sets a contemplative tone, while "I Hear the Water Dreaming" showcases the ethereal qualities of the flute. "A Way a Lone II" presents a rich tapestry of string orchestration, and "Riverrun" concludes the album with a dynamic interplay between piano and orchestra. Each piece is a testament to Takemitsu's ability to evoke vivid imagery and deep reflection through sound.

This album is a treasure for fans of Japanese classical music and those seeking a deeper understanding of Takemitsu's artistic vision. The meticulous recording and performances capture the essence of his compositions, making this release a timeless addition to any classical music collection.

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.