Edward Smaldone

Music of Japan Today: Tradition and Innovation

Abstract:

"Japanese and Western Confluences in Large-Scale Pitch Organization of Takemitsu's November Steps and Autumn"

Toru Takemitsu is recognized as one of the major composers of the twentieth century. His music is recognized as a unique combination of Japanese and Western technique, though there is little in the professional literature which specifically demonstrates how this is achieved. Through an analysis of two major orchestral works, the author describes Takemitsu's approach to atonal pitch structure in terms which are typical of Western atonal composition and which relate to the modal pitch organization of traditional Japanese composition.

The author presents a linear analysis which illustrates a conceptual link between Japanese traditional music and these compositions which operates on the deepest level of structure. The analytical method, which takes its cue from Takemitsu himself, extracts musically significant structures from the musical fabric. These structures function in a manner which bears a distinct relationship to the pitch organization of classical Japanese chamber music, such as "Zangetsu." The presence and function of this type of pitch organization demonstrates an indigenous aspect of pitch structure which survives the intense Westernization of Japanese twentieth-century culture. The Japanese elements of Takemitsu's music, illustrated in concrete pitch-defined terms, are more than the mere reflection of a fully absorbed understanding of Western atonal tradition; they are a positive demonstration of the tenacity of the Japanese spirit.

Edward Smaldone

is the composer of over 25 scores for orchestra, chamber ensembles and solo instruments. His music has been performed by the Denver Chamber Orchestra, the Memphis Symphony, the Queens Symphony Orchestra, the Da Capo Chamber Players, pianist Michael Boriskin, the Chelsea Ensemble, the American Chamber Ensemble, violinist Curtis Macomber, Thira Ensemble, Talujon, and guitarist William Anderson, among others. As a scholar he is particularly interested in linear analysis of music of the post-tonal era. Dr. Smaldone has also published articles on Japanese Traditional music and the music of Toru Takemitsu. He holds a Ph.D. from the City University of New York and is Assistant Professor at the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College.