Work of the Week – Joji Yuasa: Locus of the Orchestra

A Belated Birthday Celebration: On 25 August 2023, as part of the Composer’s birthday celebrations, the Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra will present the world premiere of Joji Yuasa’s, Locus of the Orchestra, with Yoichi Sugiyama once more at the musical helm in Tokyo.

Interestingly, Joji Yuasa's early life wasn't steeped in music. His journey into the musical realm began through his medical studies, leading him to fully immerse himself in music by 1952. Self-taught in musical techniques, he had the unique opportunity to experiment within a vibrant circle of young Tokyo artists. Since that pivotal moment, Yuasa has crafted a diverse portfolio, with each composition boasting its own distinct personality.

Musical Recovery: Locus of the Orchestra by Joji Yuasa

The piece was intended to premiere at the Composer Portrait in 2017, but due to Yuasa's serious illness, he was unable to finish it. As a result, only the beginning of the composition was performed. Within the 20-minute piece, Yuasa reflects on his recovery from the illness, completing it in 2022. Yuasa has previously composed pieces with "Locus" in the title, this time meticulously crafting sound locations across various orchestra instruments.

“A glimpse of Joji Yuasa today in this programme which includes the first full performance of the previously incomplete commissioned work from 2017, Locus for Orchestra while considering Yuasa's own locus within Japan's composition history.” - bachtrack.com

Locus of the Orchestra was commissioned by the Suntory Foundation for Arts.

Links:

Joji Yuasa: Composer Profile

Locus of the Orchestra: Work Details and Online Score

Website Tokyo Metropolitan Symphony Orchestra

Composer Portrait

Photo: The International Shakuhachi Society komuso.com