Junko Ueno Garrett
Music of Japan Today III: Tradition and Innovation
Abstract:
Streams of Sound: The Piano Music of Toru Takemitsu
This presentation is a lecture-recital that demonstrates and discusses the synthesis of European classical music traditions with Japanese ideals, as exemplified in the works of Toru Takemitsu. Takemitsu (1930-96) is the most well know of Japan's composers of art music. With his recent passing, the interest in his music has become even greater. Three of his works for solo piano will be performed during this presentation: *Piano Distance* (1961), *For Away* (1973), and *Rain Tree Sketch II* (1992). Background information will include notes about these specific pieces and a brief overview of Takemitsu's life and works. These three works show the progression of Takemitsu's style over time and indicate his influences. While Takemitsu's work is highly original as a result of his self-instruction, his compositions are influenced by a variety of sources: French impressionism, the unique style of Olivier Messiaen, and the expressionism of the Second Viennese School.
Discussion will also consider ways in which Japanese composers such as Takemitsu combine Japanese
traditions with Western classical traditions. Points for discussion include the ways in which Japanese
philosophies affect structure and formal goals in composition. Specifics of Takemitsu's colorful piano writing and the depictive nature of these works will be examined. Of special note is the importance of silence in Takemitsu's organization of "the streams of sound" in his compositions. The pedagogical value of Takemitsu's piano works will also be examined.
Presentation time will be divided nearly equally between performance and lecture/demonstration.
Junko Ueno Garrett
Pianist Junko Ueno Garrett was born in Japan and trained at the prestigious Toho Conservatory. As the winner of several competitions, she earned performance opportunities at an early age, including recitals and concertos. She was an experienced performer in Japan before moving to the United States in 1989. Ms. Ueno Garrett's debut in South America ("She has great technique and musical ability." - *El Tiempo,* Bogota, Colombia) was in 1992, and in France ("An artist of exceptional talent and skill." - *La montagne,* France) in 1994, and she has maintained a busy performance schedule in the USA. In 1994, she was a prize winner at the Florida National Piano Competition, and in 1995 made her return debut in Japan as the pianist with the Belrose Duo. In 1996, Ms. Ueno Garrett toured France and Japan. Since 1995, she has been a correspondent to the Japanese piano magazine "Chopin," introducing American compositions, musicians, and schools to Japanese readers ("Chopin" magazine is a monthly publication with a circulation of about 130,000 that contains news and features about the piano). Ms. Uneno Garrett is a doctoral candidate at Rice University in the studio of Mr. John Perry.
Lecture: