Although I am basically self taught, I consider Debussy my teacher - the most important elements are colour, light and shadow.

In the late 1950s chance brought Takemitsu international attention: his Requiem for string orchestra (1957 [About this sound] listen (help·info)) written as an homage to Hayasaka was heard by Igor Stravinsky in 1958 during his visit to Japan. occupation of Japan Takemitsu worked for the U.

He is famed for combining elements of oriental and occident philosophy to create a sound uniquely his own and for fusing opposites together such as sound with silence and tradition with innovation. His 1957 Requiem for strings orchestra attracted international attention led to several commissions from across the world and establiToru Takemitsud his reputation as one of the leading 20th century Japanese composers. He was also a founding member of the Jikken Kobo (experimental workshop) in Japan a group of avant-garde artists who distanced themselves from academia and whose collaborative work is often regarded among the most influential of the 20th century.