Composer

:

Toru Takemitsu

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Quartet

Compose Date

:

1981

Average_duration

:

13:14

"A Way A Lone" is a solo guitar piece composed by Toru Takemitsu in 1977. It was premiered by Shin-ichi Fukuda in Tokyo on November 22, 1977. The piece consists of three movements and has a total duration of approximately 12 minutes. The first movement, titled "And then I knew 'twas Wind," is characterized by its delicate and ethereal quality. The guitar is played with a light touch, creating a sense of airiness and transparency. The movement is marked by a series of ascending and descending arpeggios, which create a sense of motion and fluidity. The harmonies are mostly diatonic, with occasional dissonances adding a touch of tension. The second movement, titled "In the Woods," is more introspective and contemplative. The guitar is played with a warmer and more resonant tone, evoking the sound of a forest. The movement is marked by a series of repeated chords, which create a sense of stasis and stillness. The harmonies are more complex than in the first movement, with chromaticism and extended chords adding a sense of ambiguity and mystery. The third movement, titled "Climbing the Mountain," is the most virtuosic and energetic of the three. The guitar is played with a percussive and rhythmic quality, evoking the sound of footsteps on a rocky path. The movement is marked by a series of fast and intricate arpeggios, which create a sense of ascent and achievement. The harmonies are mostly tonal, with occasional dissonances adding a touch of drama and tension. Overall, "A Way A Lone" is a highly expressive and evocative piece that showcases Takemitsu's mastery of the guitar. The piece is characterized by its delicate and ethereal quality, introspective and contemplative moments, and virtuosic and energetic passages. It is a testament to Takemitsu's ability to create music that is both technically challenging and emotionally engaging.

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