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Overview
Though often misunderstood in the West, the works of Toru Takemitsu (1930-1996) deserve attention beyond their native land. Although he wrote most of his music for Western instruments in international contemporary concert style, to be played by performers trained in the European musical tradition, lists and scores of his music have been difficult to obtain. Designed for use by musicians, scholars, and program directors who need compact, understandable information on Takemitsu, but who are unfamiliar with Japanese language and music, this bio-bibliography--including sections on his works, performances, films scores, recordings, and writings--will be invaluable to musicians, scholars, journalists, and music directors alike.
The annotations of the entries are especially useful in determining answers to such questions as what instruments are needed to perform a piece, what should be said about a film or composition in a program note, what analysis or interpretation of a work is appropriate or has been done before, and what Takemitsu himself has said or written about each work. Siddon's fully cross-referenced volume offers information on approximately 150 compositions, 100 film scores, 250 audio recordings, and 500 bibliographical items, while the biography places the composer's life in the milieu of post-Pacific War Japan and contemporary music in Japan, Europe, and the United States.
Synopsis
A guide to the compositions, recordings, film scores, books and articles of Japan's leading 20th century composer.
Booknews
Takemitsu, who is pictured, was considered Japan's leading composer at the time of his death in 1996. His had been introduced to the US by Stravinsky circa 1960. This research guide to Takemitsu's music includes a preface in untranslated Japanese; a biography; notes on his works, performances, and film scores; and a discography. The bibliography contains writings by and about Takemitsu; the latter are in Japanese and in Western languages. Siddons is a composer, musicologist, and minister in Lynchberg, VA. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)