Takemitsu, Toru : Lex yeux clos, In Memory of Shuzo Takiguchi
Work Overview
Instrumentation：Piano Solo
Genre：character pieces
Total Playing Time：7 min 00 sec
Copyright：Under Copyright Protection
Commentary (2)
Author : Nakatsuji, Maho
Last Updated: April 24, 2018
[Open]
Author : Nakatsuji, Maho
A single painting served as the impetus for the composition. It was Odilon Redon's Les yeux clos (Closed Eyes), a painting by the French artist. In 1968, Toru Takemitsu found inspiration in this painting in Chicago. Takemitsu favored the concept of "closed eyes," from which he associated the phrase "open ears." As Shuzo Takiguchi passed away during the composition process, this work, coincidentally titled Les yeux clos, came to be presented as a memorial piece for Takiguchi.
The artistic exchange between Toru Takemitsu and Shuzo Takiguchi, which commenced in 1950, mutually stimulated their creative endeavors. Takemitsu harbored profound empathy and respect for Takiguchi. He composed The Fairy's Distance and Uninterrupted Rest, inspired by Takiguchi's poetry. The score for Les yeux clos was published in Paris in 1979. According to Aki Takahashi, Takemitsu expressed a desire for the continuous chord section in the latter half to be played "like bells."
This work employs three types of pedals. From the outset, there is an instruction to use two types of pedals simultaneously. Ascending melodies and chords scattered in the high register. A unique sonic texture, characteristic of Takemitsu's works, is woven. In Les yeux clos, the colors of Redon's fantastical painting converge with the subtly evolving sonic colors as time progresses.
Author : Nakatsuji, Maho
Last Updated: April 24, 2018
[Open]
Author : Nakatsuji, Maho
For Takemitsu, seeing a painting often presented a compositional opportunity. In 1968, while in Chicago, he was inspired by a painting titled ‘Les yeux clos (The Closed Eyes)’ by the French artist Odilon Redon. Takemitsu admired “The Closed Eyes” and associated it with the expression ‘opened ears’. By a curious coincidence, this piano work was published as a funeral piece for Shuzo Takiguchi, who passed away while Takemitsu was still composing it.
The relationship between Takemitsu and Takiguchi began in 1950, stimulated by each other’s creative desires. They felt a deep sympathy and profound respect for one another. Poems written by Takiguchi inspired Takemitsu to compose “Distance of Fairy” and “Uninterrupted Rest”.
The score of “The Closed Eyes” was published in Paris in 1979. Pianist Aki Takahashi recounted that Takemitsu wanted her to play a section in the latter half of the piece, where chords continue, like a bell.
Three types of pedals are used in the performance of this piece. From the beginning, there is an instruction to use two types of pedals simultaneously. There are melodies intended to ascend and chords scattered in the treble, which contribute to a unique sound in Takemitsu’s work. In “The Closed Eyes,” the colors from Redon’s fantastic painting and the colors of Takemitsu’s sound resonate in the music, subtly changing their expression along with the progression of time.