Brilliant Classics: 8188

Takemitsu: Orchestral Works

Because of his great interest in his own cultural and historical background, Takemitsu uses Japanese traditional instruments, for example the shakuhachi, a bamboo flute, which features heavily in ‘November Steps’. Indeed, this poetic music is a real blend of Eastern and Western ingredients, and notable is his use of Western instruments in unusual and unexpected combinations

These recordings have not been available in the West for quite some time and are illuminated by some compelling sleeve notes, written by the composer.