May 15, 1958:
A 25-year retrospective of the work of John Cage (45) takes place in Town Hall, New York organized by artists Robert Rauschenberg and Jasper Johns, accompanied by an exhibition of scores by Cage, along with a Rauschenberg show on another floor. The Exhibition receives critical praise. As part of the proceedings, Cage’s Concert for Piano and Orchestra is performed for the first time, conducted by the dancer, Merce Cunningham. Some audience members shout insults during the performance and attempt to halt it. At the end, voiced opinions are widely divergent, ranging from cheers and applause to laughter, boos, and abuse. Also premiered is the revised version of Cage’s Six Short Inventions for alto flute, clarinet, trumpet, violin, two violas, and cello. In the audience is a very interested Japanese composer named Toshi Ichiyanagi (25).
April 3, 1961:
A collective concert takes place at the Village Gate in New York featuring the works of Toshi Ichiyanagi (28), his wife Yoko Ono, and Toshiro Mayuzumi (32).
September 6, 1961:
In the Kongresshalle Mathildenhöhe, Darmstadt, David Tudor, Kenji Kobayashi, Christoph Caskel, and Carla Henius perform a program of German premieres: Wonderful Widow of 18 Springs and 26’55.988” for pianist and string player by John Cage (49), Incidental Music by George Brecht, Canons for piano and percussion by David Behrman, Stanzas for violin and piano by Toshi Ichiyanagi (28), To Henry Flynt by LaMonte Young (25), and Envelope for violin and piano by Terry Riley (26). One audience member calls for an ambulance during Young’s piece. The crew arrives and leaves when they find Tudor on the floor, in the middle of hitting a gong 566 times. Also present is Alvin Lucier (30) who will remember Pierre Boulez (36) standing on a chair, staring down at Tudor during To Henry Flynt.
November 30, 1961:
Toshi Ichiyanagi (28) gives an all-Cage concert in Tokyo. It is the first “happening” of live electronic music in Japan.
June 6, 1962:
Hiroshi Teshigahara’s film Otoshiana, with music by Toshi Ichiyanagi (29), is released in Japan.
October 24, 1962:
0’0” for any player by John Cage (50) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo by the composer. The most important part of the score reads, “IN A SITUATION PROVIDED WITH MAXIMUM AMPLIFICATION (NO FEEDBACK), PERFORM A DISCIPLINED ACTION.” For this simultaneous composition and first performance, Cage writes a manuscript. The work is dedicated to the young Japanese composer Toshi Ichiyanagi (29) and his former wife Yoko Ono.
December 31, 1968:
Yoshishige Yoshida’s film Farewell to the Summer Light, with music by Toshi Ichiyanagi (35), is released in Japan.
October 15, 1969:
Yoshishige Toshida’s film Eros + Massacre, with music by Toshi Ichiyanagi (36), is released in France.
October 30, 1969:
Extended Voices for chorus and electronic sounds by Toshi Ichiyanagi (36) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
November 5, 1973:
Voice Act for male voices and bassoon by Toshi Ichiyanagi (40), to words of Terayama, is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
November 30, 1977:
Syntax for chorus by Toshi Ichiyanagi (44) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
June 14, 1980:
Two Existence for two pianos by Toshi Ichiyanagi (47) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
August 18, 1980:
Hiroto Yokoyama’s film Jun, with music by Toshi Ichiyanagi (47), is released in New York.
March 24, 1982:
Piano Concerto no.1 “Reminiscence of Spaces” by Toshi Ichiyanagi (49) is performed for the first time, in NHK Hall, Tokyo.
May 14, 1982:
Hikari-nagi for ryuteki and percussion by Toshi Ichiyanagi (49) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
August 14, 1982:
Toumei na kisetsu, a crime drama with music by Toshi Ichiyanagi (49), is shown over the airwaves of Japanese television.
August 21, 1982:
Paganini Personal for marimba and piano by Toshi Ichiyanagi (49) is performed for the first time, in Nagano. See 2 July 1983.
May 21, 1983:
Violin Concerto “Circulating Scenery” by Toshi Ichiyanagi (50) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
July 2, 1983:
Paganini Personal for marimba and orchestra by Toshi Ichiyanagi (50) is performed for the first time, in Sapporo. See 21 August 1982.
September 28, 1983:
Portrait of Forest for marimba by Toshi Ichiyanagi (50) is performed for the first time, in Sogetsu Hall, Tokyo.
October 1, 1983:
Two works for chorus are performed for the first time, in Tokyo: Tsubasa by Toru Takemitsu (52), and Children’s Crusades by Toshi Ichiyanagi (50), to words of Brecht (tr.Hasegawa).
September 29, 1984:
Yoichi Higashi’s film Wangan Doro, with music by Toshi Ichiyanagi (51), is released in Japan.
March 22, 1985:
Nadare no Toki for chorus, marimba, and piano by Toshi Ichiyanagi (52), to words of Ishigaki, is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
June 28, 1985:
Cloud Atlas I, II, III for piano by Toshi Ichiyanagi (52) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
August 28, 1985:
Yami o Irodoru Mono for two violins and piano by Toshi Ichiyanagi (52) is performed for the first time, in Kusatsu, the composer at the keyboard.
December 4, 1985:
Requiem for male voices by Toshi Ichiyanagi (52) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
January 28, 1986:
Piano Quintet Prana by Toshi Ichiyanagi (52) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
March 7, 1986:
Still Time II for kugo by Toshi Ichiyanagi (53) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
March 8, 1986:
Paganini Personal for marimba, piano, and chorus by Toshi Ichiyanagi (53), to words of Iwaki, is performed for the first time, in Tokyo, the composer at the piano.
July 12, 1986:
Still Time I for sho by Toshi Ichiyanagi (53) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
February 18, 1987:
Prèsage for six ondes martenot by Toshi Ichiyanagi (54) is performed for the first time, in Marseille.
February 20, 1987:
Symphony no.1 “Time Current” by Toshi Ichiyanagi (54) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
March 19, 1987:
Interspace for string orchestra by Toshi Ichiyanagi (54) is performed for the first time, in Sapporo.
April 30, 1987:
Inter concerto for piano by Toshi Ichiyanagi (54) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
July 26, 1987:
Transstream for 18 percussionists by Toshi Ichiyanagi (54) is performed for the first time, in Kanagawa.
September 29, 1987:
Reigaku Symphony “The Shadows Appearing through Darkness” for gagaku instruments, reigaku instruments, and shomyo by Toshi Ichiyanagi (54), is performed for the first time, in Tokyo, directed by the composer.
October 13, 1987:
Katachi naki Mugen no Yoha for koto by Toshi Ichiyanagi (54) is performed for the first time, in Sapporo.
March 11, 1988:
Voices of Water for koto by Toshi Ichiyanagi (55) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
March 16, 1988:
Sensing the Color in the Wind for shakuhachi and two koto by Toshi Ichiyanagi (55) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
May 23, 1988:
Piano Concerto no.2 “Winter Portrait” by Toshi Ichiyanagi (55) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
October 19, 1988:
Ten Sui Hou Gyaku for shakuhachi and ondes martenot by Toshi Ichiyanagi (55) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
November 18, 1988:
Symphony “Berlin Renshi” for soprano, tenor, and orchestra by Toshi Ichiyanagi (55) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
December 4, 1988:
Transfiguration of the Moon for violin and sho by Toshi Ichiyanagi (55) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
December 16, 1988:
Transfiguration of the Flower for koto, sangen, and shakuhachi by Toshi Ichiyanagi (55) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
February 24, 1989:
Nuclear Submarine Yonagazame’s song of Erotic Voyage and Suicide for chorus by Toshi Ichiyanagi (56), to words of Ooka, is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
May 31, 1989:
Piano Nature for piano by Toshi Ichiyanagi (56) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
June 9, 1989:
Existence for organ and orchestra by Toshi Ichiyanagi (56) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
June 30, 1989:
Wind Stream for flute by Toshi Ichiyanagi (56) is performed for the first time, in Sapporo.
August 13, 1989:
Music for Art Kites for soprano and flute by Toshi Ichiyanagi (56), to words of Ooka is performed for the first time, in Shizuoka.
September 24, 1989:
Voices from the Environment for orchestra by Toshi Ichiyanagi (56) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
September 28, 1989:
Reigaku Symphony no.2 “Kokai” for gagaku orchestra, reigaku orchestra, and shomyo by Toshi Ichiyanagi (56) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
October 3, 1989:
Concerto “The Origin” for koto and chamber orchestra by Toshi Ichiyanagi (56) is performed for the first time, in Brussels.
December 26, 1989:
Symphonic Movement “Kyoto” by Toshi Ichiyanagi (56) is performed for the first time, in Kyoto.
January 29, 1990:
Inexhaustible Fountain for piano by Toshi Ichiyanagi (56) is performed for the first time, in the Royal Hotel, Osaka.
February 21, 1990:
The Way for traditional Japanese instruments and dancer by Toshi Ichiyanagi (57) is performed for the first time, in New York.
June 21, 1990:
The Source for marimba by Toshi Ichiyanagi (57) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
September 14, 1990:
Troposphere for ondes martenot and marimba by Toshi Ichiyanagi (57) is performed for the first time, in Yokohama.
September 26, 1990:
Linked Poems of Autumn for koto by Toshi Ichiyanagi (57) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
October 2, 1990:
The Way II for traditional Japanese instruments and dancer by Toshi Ichiyanagi (57) to words of Ooka, is performed for the first time, in the Frankfurt Opera House.
October 12, 1990:
Dimensions for organ by Toshi Ichiyanagi (57) is performed for the first time, in Yokohama.
November 26, 1990:
Trio Interlink for violin cello, piano, and percussion by Toshi Ichiyanagi (57) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
December 17, 1990:
Friends I for violin by Toshi Ichiyanagi (57) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
September 15, 1991:
Piano Concerto no.3 “Cross Water Roads” by Toshi Ichiyanagi (58) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
November 5, 1991:
Morning Ode for women’s voices and sho by Toshi Ichiyanagi (58), to words of Ooka, is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
November 12, 1991:
Luminous Space for sho, ondes martenot, and orchestra by Toshi Ichiyanagi (58) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
January 20, 1992:
Desire for chorus by Toshi Ichiyanagi (58), to words of Tsujii, is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
November 7, 1992:
Interplay for flute and strings by Toshi Ichiyanagi (59) is performed for the first time, in Mito, Japan.
April 22, 1993:
Rhythm Gradation for timpani by Toshi Ichiyanagi (60) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
September 19, 1993:
Symphony no.2 “Undercurrent” by Toshi Ichiyanagi (60) is performed for the first time, in Nagoya.
November 25, 1993:
White Horse for male voices by Toshi Ichiyanagi (60), to words of Tsujii, is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
November 14, 1994:
String Quartet no.3 “Inner Landscape” by Toshi Ichiyanagi (61) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
February 24, 1995:
Music for violin, sho, and piano by Toshi Ichiyanagi (62) is performed for the first time, at the Asia Society, New York.
March 20, 1995:
The Day Birds Disappeared from the Sky for chorus by Toshi Ichiyanagi (62), to words of Tanikawa, is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
October 13, 1995:
Momo, an opera by Toshi Ichiyanagi (62), to words of Miura after Ende, is performed for the first time, in Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.
October 22, 1995:
Cosmic Harmony for cello and piano by Toshi Ichiyanagi (62) is performed for the first time, in Kronberg, Germany.
November 16, 1995:
Testament of Fire, an opera by Toshi Ichiyanagi (62) is performed for the first time, in Hamarikyu Asahi Hall, Tokyo.
April 10, 1996:
Still Time IV-in eMemory of Toru Takemitsu for flute by Toshi Ichiyanagi (63) is performed for the first time, at the Toru Takemitsu (†0) Memorial Concert in Yokohama.
November 17, 1996:
Spiritual Sight for gagaku, reigaku, shomyo, cello, and dance by Toshi Ichiyanagi (63) is performed for the first time, in Yokohama.
November 21, 1996:
Perspectives II for percussion by Toshi Ichiyanagi (63) is performed for the first time, in Vario Hall, Tokyo.
March 24, 1997:
Words as Magic for chorus and flute by Toshi Ichiyanagi (64), to words of Kanaseki, is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
October 3, 1997:
Symphony no.2 “Undercurrent” by Toshi Ichiyanagi (64) is performed for the first time, in Oslo.
April 17, 1998:
Symphony no.5 “Time Perspective” on the Theme of Opera “Momo” by Toshi Ichiyanagi (65) is performed for the first time, in Orchard Hall, Shibuya, Tokyo.
August 9, 1998:
Scenes from the Poems II for chorus by Toshi Ichiyanagi (65) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
November 1, 1998:
Three Songs for children’s voices by Toshi Ichiyanagi (65), to words of Mado, is performed for the first time, in Nagoya.
June 14, 1999:
Cloud Atlas X for piano by Toshi Ichiyanagi (66) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
June 30, 1999:
Yobikake for chorus by Toshi Ichiyanagi (66) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
February 10, 2001:
Furusato no Hoshi for chorus and viola by Toshi Ichiyanagi (68), to words of Tanikawa, is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
March 23, 2001:
Piano Quintet “Kakyo” by Toshi Ichiyanagi (68) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
September 19, 2001:
Two Songs for soprano and piano by Toshi Ichiyanagi (68), to words of Osada, is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
October 27, 2001:
Inner-Voice for marimba by Toshi Ichiyanagi (68) is performed for the first time, in Yokohama.
November 1, 2001:
Symphony no.6 “After One Hundred Years” for soprano and orchestra by Toshi Ichiyanagi (68) to words of Tagore is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of NHK.
November 3, 2001:
Kakayo for orchestra by Toshi Ichiyanagi (68) is performed for the first time, in Sendai.
November 17, 2001:
Michizane no Sanuki for chorus and piano by Toshi Ichiyanagi (68), to words of Ooka, is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
November 22, 2001:
Celemonial Space for traditional Japanese instruments by Toshi Ichiyanagi (68) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
December 7, 2001:
White Light for sho and koto by Toshi Ichiyanagi (68) is performed for the first time, in Yokohama.
January 11, 2002:
Between Space and Time for chamber orchestra by Toshi Ichiyanagi (68) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
March 16, 2002:
Otoni Kaeru for shakuhachi and orchestra by Toshi Ichiyanagi (69) is performed for the first time, in Kanazawa.
November 26, 2002:
Ballade for marimba and cello by Toshi Ichiyanagi (69) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
January 17, 2003:
Light, an opera by Toshi Ichiyanagi (69), to words of Takahashi after Hino, is performed for the first time, in the New Tokyo National Theatre.
May 10, 2008:
Circular Space for flute, clarinet, cello, percussion, and piano by Toshi Ichiyanagi (75) is performed for the first time, in Cité de la musique, Paris.
March 11, 2009:
Trio Webster for flute, clarinet, and piano by Toshi Ichiyanagi (76) is performed for the first time, at Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.
May 30, 2009:
Piano Concerto no.4 “Jazz” by Toshi Ichiyanagi (76) is performed for the first time, in Kanagawa Kenritsu Ongakudo.
October 9, 2011:
Paganini Personal for two pianos by Toshi Ichiyanagi (78) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo Bunka Kaikan.
December 3, 2011:
Symphony no.8 “Revelation 2011” for chamber orchestra by Toshi Ichiyanagi (78) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo Bunka Kaikan. See 28 August 2012.
June 8, 2012:
Two new works for piano are performed for the first time, in the Schott Music Recital Room, London: Waltz Solemnity by Toshi Ichiyanagi (79), and Palindrome’s Dance by Joseph Schwantner (69).
August 28, 2012:
Piano Concerto no.5 “Finland” for orchestra by Toshi Ichiyanagi (79) is performed for the first time, in Suntory Hall, Tokyo. See 3 December 2011.
January 19, 2013:
Concerto for marimba and orchestra by Toshi Ichiyanagi (79) is performed for the first time, Izumi Hall, Osaka.
October 5, 2013:
Clarinetto Sextetto for clarinet, piano, and string quartet by Toshi Ichiyanagi (80) is performed for the first time, in Kanagawa Kenmin Hall.
January 23, 2015:
Symphony no.9 “Diaspora” by Toshi Ichiyanagi (81) is performed for the first time, in Suntory Hall, Tokyo.