(header image is 'Edge of Dreams' by Michael Lang)
Takashi Yoshimatsu Bio
Takashi Yoshimastsu (he/him) was born in Tokyo in 1953 and studied at Keio University (Department of Technology). He taught himself composition through joining a jazz and rock group, although he has also studied under composer Teizo Matsumura for a short while.
He argues "new lyricism" and objects to unmusical "modern music". He has published many works. He made his debut with "Threnody to Toki" in 1981. Since then, he presented 6 symphonies, 10 concertos, and many orchestra pieces. Other works include several stage works, a series of chamber music related with birds, piano and guitar works, and some works for Japanese traditional instruments.
Many of his works are recorded on CD, including "The Age of Birds / Works
by Takashi Yoshimatsu" (Camerata Tokyo). And since 1998, he has been a
"composer-in-residence" of Chandos Records. As well as composing, he does a lot
of writing, including articles, music reviews, and various essays. as well as publishing
some books.
He argues "new lyricism" and objects to unmusical "modern music". He has published many works. He made his debut with "Threnody to Toki" in 1981. Since then, he presented 6 symphonies, 10 concertos, and many orchestra pieces. Other works include several stage works, a series of chamber music related with birds, piano and guitar works, and some works for Japanese traditional instruments.
Many of his works are recorded on CD, including "The Age of Birds / Works
by Takashi Yoshimatsu" (Camerata Tokyo). And since 1998, he has been a
"composer-in-residence" of Chandos Records. As well as composing, he does a lot
of writing, including articles, music reviews, and various essays. as well as publishing
some books.
Melting Dream Program Notes
Takashi Yoshimatsu composed this piece in 1987 for alto saxophone and piano, although it was also transcribed to be performed with violin and piano. Melting Dream marks Takashi Yoshimatsu's first contact with the saxophone, an instrument that will make him very famous in Western culture after his work Fuzzy Bird Sonata, premiered by the Japanese saxophonist Nobuya Sugawa, to whom it is dedicated.
Melting Dream, literally translated as 'melted dream' or 'molten dream', is a descriptive work. In it, Yoshimatsu tries to musically describe a person's state of mind when he misses the opportunity to achieve a long-awaited dream or life goal. The lament for that dream that vanishes is represented in the voice of the saxophone. This lament evolves during the performance until a new hope is glimpsed at the conclusion of the piece. Meanwhile, the piano represents time, which passes immutable and ends up giving new opportunities: life goes on and new dreams flourish.
For more analysis on the piece, click here. Ezequiel Marin Molina performed the Spanish premiere of this piece on December 13, 2020 and wrote an article that goes more in-depth analyzing the meaning, symbolism, and form of the piece.
Melting Dream, literally translated as 'melted dream' or 'molten dream', is a descriptive work. In it, Yoshimatsu tries to musically describe a person's state of mind when he misses the opportunity to achieve a long-awaited dream or life goal. The lament for that dream that vanishes is represented in the voice of the saxophone. This lament evolves during the performance until a new hope is glimpsed at the conclusion of the piece. Meanwhile, the piano represents time, which passes immutable and ends up giving new opportunities: life goes on and new dreams flourish.
For more analysis on the piece, click here. Ezequiel Marin Molina performed the Spanish premiere of this piece on December 13, 2020 and wrote an article that goes more in-depth analyzing the meaning, symbolism, and form of the piece.