"Composition gives proper meaning to the natural streams of sound that penetrate the world."

Toru Takemitsu's compositions have some of the most wonderfully rich and sensuous chords that you are likely to come across in any music, of any time.

Whether presented in streams (like the ripples of a stone dropped into water) or sounding bright and transparent like bells, his chord structures are the heart of each work, marking the landscapes and terrain through which the listener is led.

Four-note chords are often made out of semi-tones or tones with major or minor thirds plus a seventh or ninth.

Example 1:

The process may also be expanded upwards to produce more pitches.

Example 2:

 

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Here are some key chords from Tree Line.

Example 3: bar 6

This chord provides the harmonic outline for Tree line's main melody.

Tree Line bars 5 - 8

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Example 4: section F bars 1 - 2

The chords above and their many variations provide sustained background harmonies throughout the second half of Tree line.

 Tree Line section F bars 1 - 3

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Example 5: section F bar 6

Example 5 shows the chord which Takemitsu orchestrated for the whole ensemble at the most climactic point in Tree line. It is one of the few points in the piece where everyone plays together.

 Tree Line section F bar 6

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Takemitsu's orchestration is so varied that the sound and texture of these chords are always different. Sometimes they can be luxurious, expansive and glistening with resonance, whilst at other times cold and dry as if heard from afar.