Isao Tomita

Japanese composer, synthesizer expert and pioneer of electronic music, Isao Tomita (1932-2016) built a bridge between classical and contemporary music on the one hand, and modern electro developments on the other. From the 1970s onwards, under the influence of Wendy Carlos and with the help of the Moog synthesizer, he gained notoriety for his interpretations of works by classical composers and concerts in the form of large-scale sound installations. His albums, inspired by the works of Claude Debussy(Snowflakes Are Dancing, 1974), Modeeste Moussorgski, Igor Stravinsky and Gustav Holst(The Planets, 1976), appealed to the general public, but fell out of fashion. Tomita regained the interest of music lovers with his own compositions, including the symphony Tale of Genji (1998), based on the famous traditional tale. Performed with a symphony orchestra and traditional Japanese musicians, this work demonstrates his desire to unite his two musical cultures. Recognized as a precursor of electronic music and its dissemination to a wide audience, Isao Tomita died on May 5, 2016 at the age of 84.