I'm working for the AMusTCL theory diploma and one of the set pieces is 'How slow the wind' by Takemitsu. I've rather fallen in love with it and with his other orchestral works on the CD.

What I want to know is - has anyone here played his piano music? I'm working towards G8 piano and would any of it be suitable for me to learn?

Thanks for any advice

I've started learning RainTree Sketch 11, which is lovely. I love all his piano music - I've heard most of it on cd, but haven't studied it in detail enough yet to advise on suitable pieces. It's all quite complicated, probably harder than grade 8, but it's so unusual that it's quite hard to grade. It depends partly how used you are to modern pieces. I've done quite a bit of Messiaen, which helps. If you really want to do it I'm sure you will manage it.

Thanks Bev - I'll put it on the list, perhaps for after I've taken G8.

Takemitsu is one of my favourite composers. All of his music is beyond grade 8, but like bev says it depends on your attitude towards contemporary music. Me for example, i love contemporary music and i was playing Takemitsu way before grade 8, but then a friend of mine has LRSM distinction and she couldnt play Takemitsu/Messiaen etc for toffee.

The Rain Tree Sketches are really complicated both rhythmically and technically- Rain Tree Sketch II is technically easier than the first one.

Litany is a good one to look at- the first movement is easy as far as Takemitsu goes

err.. both of the Les Yeux Clos are really difficult

the Pause Ininterrompue or the Piano Distance really do depend on the individual- they come under the weird and wonderful category of contemporary music lol

i cant remember what else he wrote, but those are the ones ive played before. if you want to know anything else about individual pieces feel free to PM me (Y)