Toru Takemitsu

condition (record/cover): NM / EX+

The 1969 recording of Toru Takemitsu's orchestral works, performed by the Toronto Symphony Orchestra under Seiji Ozawa, is widely considered a definitive introduction to the composer's sound and silence aesthetic, a luminous journey that masterfully balances Western avant-garde techniques with a painter’s touch and Japanese poetic sensibilities.
The four pieces have a flowing mood, creating a cohesive album experience that is rare for contemporary classical collections. Asterism (for Piano and Orchestra): Featuring pianist Yuji Takahashi, this piece has fearsome power and a horrifying crescendo that serves as the record's intense highlight. Requiem (for String Orchestra): This somber, "tautly structured" work uses muted violins to create a "River of Sound", imitating the natural rhythm of breathing. Green (November Steps II): A tribute to / emulation of Debussy's Prélude à l’après-midi d’un faune, this piece shimmers with diaphanous harmonies and stabs of aleatoric panic. The Dorian Horizon (for 17 Strings): A masterclass in orchestral color, it is praised for its remarkable beauty and its use of space as a primary compositional tool.