Toru Takemitsu / Roger Woodward
Corona / For Away / Piano Distance / Undisturbed Rest
London Records (Japan) 1974
SLC 2365 (LP) w/obi.
sleeve : VG+(dirts.)
media : EX/EX(some slightly noise.)
A remarkable album from 1974, featuring four piano compositions by Toru Takemitsu, one of Japan’s most celebrated composers—an artist whose work transcended the boundaries of contemporary music through his constant pursuit of experimental expression. Performed by the distinguished Australian pianist Roger Woodward, this collection showcases some of Takemitsu’s most profound early works. The B-side includes “For Away” (1973), composed at Woodward’s request, along with “Piano Distance” (1961) and “Litany (In Memory of Michael Vyner)”, originally written between 1950 and 1959 under the title “Lento in Due Movimenti.”
The highlight, however, is the A-side’s “Corona (London Version)” from 1962—a monumental piece for two pianos, organ, and harpsichord, meticulously multi-tracked to create a vast and shimmering soundscape. The interplay of these timbres forms a breathtakingly beautiful and expansive tonal gradient. Even those unfamiliar with contemporary classical music will find this work deeply engaging—its layered resonance and spatial sonorities appeal easily to listeners of electronic and experimental sound.
A1: Corona (London version)
B1: For Away
Corona / For Away / Piano Distance / Undisturbed Rest
London Records (Japan) 1974
SLC 2365 (LP) w/obi.
sleeve : VG+(dirts.)
media : EX/EX(some slightly noise.)
A remarkable album from 1974, featuring four piano compositions by Toru Takemitsu, one of Japan’s most celebrated composers—an artist whose work transcended the boundaries of contemporary music through his constant pursuit of experimental expression. Performed by the distinguished Australian pianist Roger Woodward, this collection showcases some of Takemitsu’s most profound early works. The B-side includes “For Away” (1973), composed at Woodward’s request, along with “Piano Distance” (1961) and “Litany (In Memory of Michael Vyner)”, originally written between 1950 and 1959 under the title “Lento in Due Movimenti.”
The highlight, however, is the A-side’s “Corona (London Version)” from 1962—a monumental piece for two pianos, organ, and harpsichord, meticulously multi-tracked to create a vast and shimmering soundscape. The interplay of these timbres forms a breathtakingly beautiful and expansive tonal gradient. Even those unfamiliar with contemporary classical music will find this work deeply engaging—its layered resonance and spatial sonorities appeal easily to listeners of electronic and experimental sound.
A1: Corona (London version)
B1: For Away