Toru Takemitsu

Largely self-taught, worked with the Experimental Workshop in Tokyo in early '50s. Guitarist, pianist. Received Italia Prize in 1958. Influenced by John Cage, jazz, serialism, Debussy, ancient Japanese music, and many world cultures. Unique polyrhythmic and open scoring methods combined with traditional Western notation. First combinations of Western orchestra with traditional Japanese instruments and Gagaku ensembles. Filmscores include Woman in the Dunes (1964), Dode'skaden (1970), Ran (1985), Kwaidan (1964), Under the Cherry Blossoms (1975), Empire of Passion (1978). ~ "Blu...