Summertime by George Gershwin as arranged for guitar solo by Toru Takemitsu
From Takemitsu's "12 Songs for Guitar" (1977) published by Schott
Takemitsu's transcription of Summertime is a work of genius. Not just for its musical sensibilities and unique voice but for the physical product created for the guitarist. Harmonies, chord shapes and use of timbres that are more aptly used in "serious concert" music are employed here in a song of such famous proportions that it can be called an American folk song.
"I can well imagine Toru Takemitsu (1930-1996) traveling through Japan, not to capture different aspects of the moon, but let’s say to experience the wind whistling through different trees, and returning to the city with a gift. This gift consists of the transformation of nature into art." – John Cage
ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Composer Thomas Schuttenhelm calls him “the ideal 21st century artist” and G. Acosta of the Washington Post writes that he “is a unique talent not to be missed.” Guitarist Aaron Larget-Caplan is that rare musician that can deliver both virtuosic fireworks and poetic reflection, often integrated into a single interpretation. Whether performing in the concert hall, sharing listening secrets with kids in an Arts Residency or in a conversation about being an Artist Entrepreneur, Aaron engages audiences and is a rising star in the world of music.
A sought after soloist and chamber musician, Aaron is the founder of the New Lullaby Project: 1 CD and over 30 premieres since 2007, ¡Con Fuego! – a classical Spanish music & flamenco dance ensemble, and The Diavolo Duo with Orlando Cela for flute, Venezuelan cuatro and guitar.
Aaron has released two solo CDs to critical acclaim and is featured on three others. A gifted performer, educator and speaker, Aaron regularly introduces classical music through Artist Residencies. Aaron is a graduate of the New England Conservatory where he studied with Eliot Fisk and David Leisner. He is currently on the faculty at the Boston Conservatory and the New School of Music in Cambridge. www.AaronLC.com
– Summertime is the inspiration for my New Lullaby Project. www.NewLullabyProject.com
Read more...