Composer

:

Toru Takemitsu

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Open Form

Compose Date

:

1951 - 1989

Average_duration

:

7:12

Distance de Fée is a composition for solo guitar by the Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu. It was composed in 1970 and premiered the same year by the Spanish guitarist Narciso Yepes. The piece is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 12 minutes. The first movement, titled "Hommage à Ravel," is a tribute to the French composer Maurice Ravel. It begins with a series of harmonics that create a dreamy, ethereal atmosphere. The guitar then introduces a simple melody that is developed throughout the movement. Takemitsu's use of harmonics and delicate arpeggios creates a sense of distance and otherworldliness. The second movement, "Distance de Fée," is the centerpiece of the composition. The title translates to "Fairy Distance" in English, and the movement evokes a mystical, magical atmosphere. The guitar uses a variety of extended techniques, including harmonics, glissandos, and percussive effects, to create a soundscape that is both delicate and haunting. The movement is characterized by its use of silence and space, which allow the notes to resonate and create a sense of distance. The final movement, "Hommage à Debussy," is another tribute to a French composer, this time Claude Debussy. The movement is more lively and rhythmic than the previous two, with the guitar using a variety of strumming and plucking techniques to create a sense of movement and energy. The melody is fragmented and elusive, with Takemitsu using chromaticism and dissonance to create a sense of ambiguity. Overall, Distance de Fée is a beautiful and evocative composition that showcases Takemitsu's mastery of the guitar and his ability to create a sense of atmosphere and mood through music. The piece is characterized by its use of extended techniques, delicate melodies, and a sense of distance and otherworldliness.

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