In 1900, towards the end of the Meiji period, Rentaro Taki wrote the first piano work ever composed by a Japanese person. This work, although a minuet in the pure classical German style, was one of the works that began the brilliant pursuit of several Japanese composers for a unique and representative language of Japanese culture.

The musical transformation was overwhelming and sudden: if until 1920 the writing of Japanese music was practically in the classical-romantic Western style, less than 30 years later the unavoidable Toru Takemitsu already introduced the concept of electronic music in Japan.

Japanese piano music is highly diverse, whether in style, colors or philosophies behind its writing.

The repertoire presented here includes works by great names in Japanese music such as Karen Tanaka or Takashi Yoshimatsu, in varied styles: from traditional Japanese songs, impressionist music, to minimalist music and influences from jazz and rock.

Program

Sonoh Terauchi (1959-) | Ikaruga Suite

Old Village of Ikaruga
Sitting Buddha
Goddess of Fortune in Joruriji temple
The statue of Asura

Minako Tokuyama (1958-) | Nara Music

Hisatada Otaka (1911-1951) | Sonatina for Piano

Allegro Moderato
Recitative Adagio
Allegro Vivace

Saburo Takata (1913 - 2000) | Preludes

The Sunlight Dances in the Wind
Down in the Blue Valley
Mountains fading into the Twilight

Karen Tanaka (1961-) | Water Dances

Very Lightly with Flow Very Softly with Shimmering Light
Very Lightly, like a Harp

António Luís Silva (1991-) | Rhapsody on traditional Japanese themes