Toru Takemitsu “Works of Toru Takemitsu 4”

武満徹
武満徹の音楽 4
Victor (Japan) 1966
VX-23 (LP) Original pressing, textured gatefold sleeve.
sleeve : VG+(light dirts, light color-fade.)
media : EX-/EX(some light surface noises, A2 has one very small scratch.)

A1/A2 are piano solos by Yuji Takahashi. A1 was composed for Yuji Takahashi and further develops the notation that Takemitsu has been experimenting with since the 1950s. A2 is a small piece composed from the imagery of Shuzo Takiguchi's poem, with a very soft and quiet sound and an eerie melodic contrast that is very impressive. In A3/A4, Hiroshi Wakasugi conducts "Son Calligraphy for Eight Strings," depicting an inner landscape with four violins, two violas and a cello. The most notable piece is "Eclipse" (B1), a long piece that depicts the eclipse of the sun with the traditional Japanese instruments, shakuhachi and biwa. Although it uses a graphic score devised by Takemitsu, it has strong improvisational elements, and is a wonderful performance with a sense of tension that sublimates the unique spirit of ancient Japan into the modern age. Original pressing of model number VX-23.