Hirayosi, Takekuni 1936 - 1998
Author: Nagai, Shinnosuke
Last updated：April 25, 2018
Author: Nagai, Shinnosuke
A composer born in Kobe in 1936 (Showa 11). He graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts and completed his graduate studies at the same university. He studied composition under Yoshio Hasegawa and Yoshio Ikuma, and the year after graduating, he won first prize at the 31st Japan Music Competition with Composition for Orchestra. In 1969 (Showa 44), he also received the 18th Otaka Prize for Symphonic Variations. He established his unique musical language by employing atonal techniques developed from twelve-tone technique, characterized by a precise and solid idiom and a grand scale. Although his sound often incorporates elements that evoke novelty, melodic beauty is consistently present in Hirayoshi's works, captivating many audiences. This is evidenced by the fact that choral music is the most frequent genre among his compositions. Works such as My Milestone, The Day the Little Birds Disappeared from the Sky, and One Morning are particularly beloved choral pieces. Furthermore, the children's chorus To the Ends of the Earth on a Balloon became the compulsory piece for the elementary school division of the 41st NHK National School Music Competition in 1974, and is considered one of Hirayoshi's representative works. He also composed Ai, the Earth, and the Auctioneer, a musical for chorus and wind ensemble based on the environmental manga The Earth's Secret. This work was originally drawn by Aika Tsubota, then a 6th-grader at Hikawa Town Nishino Elementary School, as a school assignment, and Hirayoshi's creative stance in this regard strongly reveals his love for children.
In the genre of piano solo works, he focused on creating pieces for children. His collections for children, such as Rhythm of the Rainbow, Southern Wind, and When Spring Comes, are beloved by both children and adults. He was a person who loved yachts and nature, and this aspect is reflected in his works, leading to a multitude of pieces with poetic titles and rich scenic descriptions.
From a compositional technique perspective, he was greatly influenced by Toru Takemitsu (1930-1996), particularly by Takemitsu's Requiem for Strings. Furthermore, Hirayoshi's works exhibit a uniquely Japanese delicate sensibility and concepts like “wabi-sabi,” which can also be attributed to Takemitsu's influence. These characteristics are prominently displayed in his chamber music, such as Dialogue for marimba and three instruments (1968), and piano pieces like Elegy for Piano (1997). He also held various academic positions, including:
- Part-time lecturer at Tokyo University of the Arts
- Professor at Toho Gakuen School of Music
- Professor at Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts
Author : Sudoh, Eiko
Last Updated: July 1, 2010
[Open]
Author : Sudoh, Eiko
Born in Kobe. Studied composition under Yoshio Hasegawa at Tokyo University of the Arts and its graduate school. Debuted as a composer with large-scale orchestral works, winning the Japan Music Competition and the Otaka Prize, among other accolades. Subsequently, leveraging a gentle musicality that resonates with audiences, composed numerous choral pieces and works for children. In the field of piano music, left behind many charming works beloved by numerous learners, including collections for children such as "Rainbow Rhythms," "Southern Wind," and "When Spring Comes...". Served as a professor at Toho Gakuen School of Music and Okinawa Prefectural University of Arts.
Works(19)
Piano Solo
for children (6)
Various works (4)
Piano Ensemble
for children (3)
Various works (2)
Chamber Music