October 8, 1930:
Toru Takemitsu is born in the Hongo neighborhood of north-central Tokyo, Japanese Empire, the son of Takeo and Reiko Takemitsu.
December 7, 1950:
Lento in Due Movimenti for piano by Toru Takemitsu (20) is performed for the first time, in Yomiuri Hall, Tokyo. It is the first work of Takemitsu to be publicly performed.
May 31, 1951:
Distance de Fée for violin and piano by Toru Takemitsu (20) is performed for the first time, in Yomiuri Hall, Tokyo.
November 16, 1951:
Joie de vivre, a ballet by Toru Takemitsu (21) and Hiroyoshi Suzuki to a scenario by Akiyama, is performed for the first time, in Hibiya Public Hall, Tokyo.
August 9, 1952:
The first movement of Uninterrupted Rest for piano by Toru Takemitsu (21) is performed for the first time, at Ichigaya Women’s College, Tokyo.
April 9, 1953:
Trip on the Galaxy Train, a ballet by Toru Takemitsu (22), is performed for the first time, in Hibiya Public Hall, Tokyo.
June 15, 1954:
Toru Takemitsu (23) marries Asaka Wakayama, an actress.
August 8, 1954:
Romantic Suite, a ballet by Toru Takemitsu (23) after Tchaikovsky (†60), is performed for the first time, in Osaka Sankei Hall.
March 29, 1955:
Eve in the Future, a ballet for magnetic tape by Toru Takemitsu (24), is performed for the first time, in Roppongi Haiyuza, Tokyo.
July 12, 1955:
Chamber Concerto for 13 players by Toru Takemitsu (24) is performed for the first time, in Yamaha Hall, Tokyo.
February 4, 1956:
Relief statique, musique concrète by Toru Takemitsu (25), is performed for the first time, in Yamaha Hall, Tokyo.
May 30, 1956:
Clap Vocalism, musique concrete on tape by Toru Takemitsu (25), is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of New Japan radio.
June 20, 1957:
Requiem for strings by Toru Takemitsu (26) is performed for the first time, in Hibiya Hall, Tokyo.
July 25, 1958:
Tableau Noir for narrator and chamber orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (27) to words of Akiyama is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of NHK radio.
August 21, 1958:
Le Son Calligraphie I for four violins, two violas, and two cellos by Toru Takemitsu (27) is performed for the first time in Karuizawa.
November 2, 1958:
Solitude Sonore for orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (28) is performed for the first time, in a radio broadcast from NHK Symphony Hall, Tokyo.
November 7, 1958:
27 members of the Seinen Ongakuka Gikai (Young Musicians Assembly), including Toru Takemitsu (28) and Toshiro Mayuzumi (29), sign a letter protesting the Police Bill of Japanese Prime Minister Nobosuke Kishi. The signers are concerned that the bill, which creates new police powers to interrogate, search, and arrest citizens in public, will return Japan to the militarism of the 1930s. The bill will be withdrawn.
November 10, 1958:
Le Son Calligraphie II for four violins, two violas, and two cellos by Toru Takemitsu (28) is performed for the first time, in Yamaha Hall, Tokyo.
February 18, 1960:
Quiet Design, musique concréte by Toru Takemitsu (29) is performed for the first time, as part of a multimedia exhibition in Sogetsu Hall, Tokyo.
April 28, 1960:
Landscape for string quartet by Toru Takemitsu (29) is performed for the first time, in Sogetsu Hall, Tokyo. Also premiered is Takemitsu’s Le Son Calligraphie III for four violins, two violas, and two cellos, the musique concrète Water Music, and the first complete performance of Masque for two flutes.
April 28, 1961:
Piano Distance by Toru Takemitsu (30) is performed for the first time, in Sogetsu Hall, Tokyo.
May 22, 1961:
Music of Tree for orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (30) is performed for the first time, in Hibiya Hall, Tokyo.
August 26, 1961:
Ring for flute, lute, and terz guitar by Toru Takemitsu (30) is performed for the first time, in Osaka.
November 14, 1961:
The first two movements of Kaze no Uma/Wind Horse for chorus and women’s chorus by Toru Takemitsu (31) to words of Akiyama, are performed for the first time, in Tokyo. See 14 October 1966.
November 17, 1962:
Sacrifice for alto flute, lute, antique cymbals, and vibraphone by Toru Takemitsu (32) is performed for the first time, in Asahi Hall, Tokyo.
November 30, 1962:
Coral Island for soprano and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (32) to words of Ooka, is performed for the first time, in a Japan radio broadcast.
November 10, 1963:
Two sections of Arc for piano, orchestra, and electronic sounds by Toru Takemitsu (33) are performed for the first time, over the airwaves of NHK. They are “Pile” and “Solitude”.
April 19, 1964:
Corona II ( Corona for Strings ) for one or more string instruments by Toru Takemitsu (33) is performed for the first time, in Honolulu.
November 27, 1964:
Blue Aurora for Toshi Ichiyanagi (31), a musical happening with two flutists and one percussionist by Toru Takemitsu (34), is performed for the first time, in Sogetsu Hall, Tokyo. John Cage (52) takes part.
May 1, 1966:
“Your Love and the Crossing”, a section of Arc for piano, orchestra, and electronic sounds by Toru Takemitsu (35), is performed for the first time, in Nissei Hall, Tokyo.
May 4, 1966:
Eclipse for shakuhachi and biwa by Toru Takemitsu (35) is performed for the first time, in Nissei Theatre, Tokyo.
October 14, 1966:
Kaze no Uma/Wind Horse for chorus and women’s chorus by Toru Takemitsu (36) to words of Akiyama, is performed completely for the first time, in Tokyo. See 14 November 1961.
November 3, 1967:
Green: November Steps II for orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (37) is performed for the first time, over the airwaves of NHK.
November 9, 1967:
November Steps for shakuhachi, biwa, and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (37) is performed for the first time, in Lincoln Center, New York conducted by Leonard Bernstein (49).
June 5, 1968:
Cross Talk--for Painter Sam Francis for two bandoneons and tape by Toru Takemitsu (37) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo. Also premiered is PING for flute, percussion, piano, electronic sound generators, four-track tape, and slide and film projections by Roger Reynolds (33) after Beckett.
January 14, 1969:
Asterism for piano and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (38) is performed for the first time, in Toronto, with Yuji Takahashi (30) at the keyboard.
October 1, 1969:
As Toru Takemitsu (38) arrives in Sydney for the Canberra Spring Festival, he is met at the airport by Peter Sculthorpe (40). Takemitsu’s Eucalypts I&II will be inspired by trips the two of them take into the bush near Canberra.
August 21, 1970:
Seasons for two to four percussionists and tape by Toru Takemitsu (39) is performed for the first time, in the Sound Space Theatre in the Steel Pavilion at Expo ‘70 World Fair, Osaka.
November 15, 1970:
Eucalypts I for flute, oboe, harp and strings by Toru Takemitsu (40) is performed for the first time, in Zurich.
February 22, 1971:
Stanza I for soprano, guitar, harp, piano, celesta, and vibraphone by Toru Takemitsu (40) to words of Wittgenstein is performed for the first time, in Tokyo Metropolitan Festival Hall.
June 9, 1971:
Voice for flute by Toru Takemitsu (40) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
June 24, 1971:
Cassiopeia for percussion and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (40) is performed for the first time, in a studio recording in Tokyo. See 8 July 1971.
July 8, 1971:
Cassiopeia for percussion and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (40) is performed publicly for the first time, in Chicago. See 24 June 1971.
October 28, 1971:
Three works by Toru Takemitsu (41) are performed for the first time, in Paris: Eucalypts II for flute, oboe, and harp, Munari by Munari for percussion solo, and Stanza II for tape and harp.
October 29, 1971:
Winter for orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (41) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
September 13, 1973:
Autumn for biwa, shakuhachi, and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (42) is performed for the first time, in Metropolitan Festival Hall, Tokyo. Also premiered is Takemitsu’s Voyage for three biwas.
October 30, 1973:
In an Autumn Garden for gagaku instruments by Toru Takemitsu (43) is performed for the first time, in the National Theatre, Tokyo. It will be incorporated into a much larger work with the same name. See 28 September 1979.
July 16, 1974:
Folios for guitar by Toru Takemitsu (43) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo Metropolitan Festival Hall.
November 17, 1974:
Garden Rain for brass ensemble by Toru Takemitsu (44) is performed for the first time, in Nissei Theatre, Tokyo.
November 22, 1974:
Gitimalya for marimba and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (44) is performed for the first time, in Rotterdam.
March 8, 1975:
Bryce for flute, two harps, marimba, and percussion by Toru Takemitsu (44) is performed for the first time, in Toronto.
September 1, 1975:
Quatrain for clarinet, violin, cello, piano, and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (44) is performed for the first time, in Kosei Nenkin Hall, Tokyo.
June 26, 1976:
Waves for clarinet, horn, two trombones, and percussion by Toru Takemitsu (45) is performed for the first time, in Seibu Theatre, Tokyo.
October 10, 1976:
Marginalia for orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (46) is performed for the first time, in NHK Hall, Tokyo.
January 5, 1977:
A revised version of both parts of Arc for piano, orchestra, and electronic sounds by Toru Takemitsu (46) is performed for the first time, in New York, conducted by Pierre Boulez (51).
March 13, 1977:
Quatrain II for clarinet, violin, cello, and piano by Toru Takemitsu (46) is performed for the first time, in Jordan Hall, Boston.
November 30, 1977:
A Flock Descends into the Pentagonal Garden for orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (47) is performed for the first time, in San Francisco.
June 3, 1978:
Waterways for clarinet, violin, cello, piano, two harps, and two vibraphones by Toru Takemitsu (47) is performed for the first time, in Seibu Theatre, Tokyo.
September 6, 1979:
Les Yeux clos for piano by Toru Takemitsu (48) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo Metropolitan Festival Hall.
September 28, 1979:
In an Autumn Garden for gagaku instruments by Toru Takemitsu (48) is performed for the first time, in the National Theatre, Tokyo. See 30 October 1973.
May 24, 1980:
Far Calls, Coming, far! for violin and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (49) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
February 23, 1981:
A way a lone for string quartet by Toru Takemitsu (50) is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Hall, New York.
May 3, 1981:
Toward the Sea for alto flute and guitar by Toru Takemitsu (50) is performed completely for the first time, in Seibu Theatre, Tokyo.
May 31, 1981:
Rain Tree for three percussionists or keyboard players by Toru Takemitsu (50) is performed for the first time, in Seibu Theatre, Tokyo.
June 27, 1982:
New works by Toru Takemitsu (51) are performed for the first time, in Sapporo: A way a lone II for string orchestra, Dreamtime for orchestra, and Toward the Sea II for alto flute, harp, and strings.
October 21, 1982:
Star-Isle for orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (52) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
October 26, 1982:
Rain Coming for chamber orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (52) is performed for the first time, in London.
January 14, 1983:
Rain Tree Sketch for piano by Toru Takemitsu (52) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo Metropolitan Festival Hall.
January 19, 1983:
Rain Spell for flute, clarinet, harp, piano, and vibraphone by Toru Takemitsu (52) is performed for the first time, in Yokohama.
March 12, 1983:
To the Edge of Dream for guitar and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (52) is performed for the first time, in Liège.
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).
November 17, 1983:
Rocking Mirror Daybreak for two violins by Toru Takemitsu (53) is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Hall, New York.
December 17, 1983:
Shima e, a song for chorus by Toru Takemitsu (53) to words of Izawa, is performed for the first time, in Tokyo Metropolitan Festival Hall.
May 27, 1984:
Orion and Pleiades: Concerto for cello and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (53) is performed for the first time, in Paris.
June 3, 1984:
Wavelength, a multimedia piece for two percussionists, two dancers, and video by Toru Takemitsu (53) is performed for the first time, in Seibu Theatre, Tokyo.
October 2, 1984:
Vers, l’Arc-en-ciel, Palma for guitar, oboe d’amore, and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (53) is performed for the first time, in Town Hall, Birmingham.
January 10, 1985:
Riverrun for piano and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (54) is performed for the first time, in Los Angeles.
September 9, 1985:
Two works for orchestra are performed for the first time, in Kyoto: Dream/Window by Toru Takemitsu (54), and Sillages by Tristan Murail (38).
June 12, 1986:
Rain Dreaming for harpsichord by Toru Takemitsu (55) is performed for the first time, at the Library of Congress, Washington.
October 15, 1986:
Gemeaux for oboe, trombone, and two orchestras by Toru Takemitsu (56) is performed for the first time, in Edinburgh.
January 23, 1987:
Handmade Proverbs--Four Pop Songs for six male voices by Toru Takemitsu (56) to words of Takiguchi (tr. Lyons) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
April 3, 1987:
I Hear the Water Dreaming for flute and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (56) is performed for the first time, in Circle Theatre, Indianapolis.
July 25, 1987:
Signals from Heaven I: Day Signal for brass by Toru Takemitsu (56) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
August 11, 1987:
Nostalghia: In Memory of Andrei Tarkowskij for violin and string orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (56) is performed for the first time, in Edinburgh.
September 14, 1987:
Signals from Heaven II: Night Signal for brass by Toru Takemitsu (56) is performed for the first time, in Glasgow.
March 8, 1988:
Twill by Twilight for orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (56) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo. The work is dedicated to the memory of Morton Feldman (†0).
May 20, 1988:
Tree Line for chamber orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (57) is performed for the first time, in London.
May 29, 1988:
A Solitary Road for string quartet by Toru Takemitsu (57) is performed for the first time, in Malyi Hall, Leningrad.
August 28, 1988:
A Bernstein Birthday Bouquet: Eight Variations on a Theme by Leonard Bernstein for orchestra, variations on New York, New York for the 70th birthday of Leonard Bernstein, is performed for the first time, at Tanglewood. The variations are by Luciano Berio (62), Leon Kirchner (69), Jacob Druckman (60), Lukas Foss (66), John Corigliano (50), John Williams, Toru Takemitsu (57), and William Schuman (78).
October 9, 1988:
All in Twilight, four pieces for guitar by Toru Takemitsu (58), is performed for the first time, in Alice Tully Hall, New York.
February 7, 1989:
Itinerant for flute by Toru Takemitsu (58), composed in memory of Isamu Noguchi, is performed for the first time, in New York.
November 11, 1989:
At the 92nd Street Y, New York, Peter Serkin plays a program of eleven premieres of works for piano he commissioned. Included are Interlude I for by Leon Kirchner (70), Feurklavier by Luciano Berio (64), Piano Piece by Hans Werner Henze (63), Les Yeux clos II by Toru Takemitsu (59), the first piece from ...in real time op.50 by Alexander Goehr (57), and My Song by Bright Sheng (33).
November 29, 1989:
A String Around Autumn for viola and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (59) is performed for the first time, in Salle Pleyel, Paris.
March 8, 1990:
Visions for orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (59) is performed for the first time, in Chicago.
April 24, 1990:
Toward the Sea III for alto flute and harp by Toru Takemitsu (59) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo Metropolitan Festival Hall.
May 6, 1990:
Litany: In Memory of Michael Vyner for piano by Toru Takemitsu (59) is performed for the first time, in Queen Elizabeth Hall, London.
June 30, 1990:
My Way of Life: In Memory of Michael Vyner for baritone, chorus, and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (59) to words of Tamura is performed for the first time, in Leeds.
October 9, 1990:
Tuorakemsu for orchestra by Iannis Xenakis (68) is performed for the first time, in Suntory Hall, Tokyo for the 60th birthday of Toru Takemitsu.
October 19, 1990:
From Me Flows What You Call Time for five percussionists and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (60) is performed for the first time, in Carnegie Hall, New York.
September 14, 1991:
Fantasma/Cantos for clarinet and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (60) is performed for the first time, in Cardiff.
October 13, 1991:
Quotation of Dream--Say Sea, Take Me! for two pianos and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (61) is performed for the first time, in London.
November 6, 1991:
How Slow the Wind for orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (61) is performed for the first time, in Glasgow.
May 19, 1992:
And Then I Knew ‘Twas Wind for flute, viola, and harp by Toru Takemitsu (61) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
September 5, 1992:
Ceremonial: An Autumn Ode for shô and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (61) is performed for the first time, in Matsumotu, Japan.
October 23, 1992:
Rain Tree Sketch II--In Memoriam Olivier Messiaen (†0) for piano by Toru Takemitsu (62) is performed for the first time, in Education Hall, Yokohama.
June 18, 1993:
Archipelago S. for 21 players by Toru Takemitsu (62) is performed for the first time, in Aldeburgh.
September 20, 1993:
Between Tides for violin, cello, and piano by Toru Takemitsu (62) is performed for the first time, in Berlin.
April 4, 1994:
Equinox for guitar by Toru Takemitsu (63) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
June 3, 1994:
Fantasma/Cantos II for trombone and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (63) is performed for the first time, in St. Paul, Minnesota.
July 14, 1994:
Spirit Garden for orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (63) is performed for the first time, in Tokyo.
September 21, 1994:
In the “Hommage à Witold Lutoslawski (†0)” concert in Warsaw, new works are performed for the first time: In Memory of Witold Lutoslawski for two horns and two trumpets by Iannis Xenakis (72) and Paths--In memoriam Witold Lutoslawski for trumpet by Toru Takemitsu (63).
April 20, 1995:
Family Tree: Musical Verses for Young People for narrator and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (64) to words of Tanikawa is performed for the first time, in New York.
June 27, 1995:
Spectral Canticle for violin, guitar and orchestra by Toru Takemitsu (64) is performed for the first time, in Kiel.
October 29, 1995:
A Bird Came Down the Walk for viola and piano by Toru Takemitsu (65) is performed for the first time, in Vienna.
January 28, 1996:
Air for solo flute by Toru Takemitsu (65) is performed live for the first time, in Katolisch Kirch Oberwill, Switzerland.
February 20, 1996:
13:15 Toru Takemitsu dies of acute pulmonary edema caused by collagen disease in Toranomon Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, aged 65 years, four months, and twelve days. During his final hours he listens to a radio broadcast of the St. Matthew Passion, his favorite work of Johann Sebastian Bach (†245).
February 29, 1996:
A funeral in memory of Toru Takemitsu takes place in Tokyo. His In the Woods for guitar is performed for the first time.
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.
May 15, 1996:
Elegy for Toru Takemitsu (†1) for flute, percussion, and strings by Roger Reynolds (61) is performed for the first time, at the Mandeville Center for the Arts, La Jolla, California.
June 3, 1999:
Concerto for water percussion and orchestra--In Memory of Toru Takemitsu (†3) by Tan Dun (41) is performed for the first time, in Avery Fisher Hall, New York.