The purpose of this study is to ascertain the concept of Temporality in Joji Yuasa’s works by analyzing one of his earlier representative compositions, Cosmos Haptic I (1957). The work has been interpretative within sociocultural context of Japan po...
The purpose of this study is to ascertain the concept of Temporality in Joji Yuasa’s works by analyzing one of his earlier representative compositions, Cosmos Haptic I (1957). The work has been interpretative within sociocultural context of Japan post-WWII in order to understand unique qualities of temporality in Japanese traditional music. Therefore, Joji Yuasa in tandem with another well-known Japanese composer Toru Takemitsu opened a new horizon for music of Japan in 1950s.
In the 1950s, there was widespread sense of crisis of identity in Japan. The defeat sparked questions about the Western products of civilization and led to a heated discussion of their own identity. This crisis was followed by revisiting of the past and the traditions of Japan. In 1951, in the midst of this crisis, an avant-garde art group named Jiken Kobo was formed. The composers of Jiken Kobo criticized their music being lacked of Japanese identity. Therefore, they sought a new kind of their music by incorporating traditional elements.
As a member of Jiken Kobo, Yuasa also reflected on the traditions of Japan. His interest culminated in his concept of temporality, inspired by Noh, a major form of classical musical drama of Japan which he was exposed to since childhood. Yuasa believed that time is a continuation of irregular rhythm in traditional Japanese music as opposed to Western music employs regular beat. This idea of contrasting concept of beat is the foundation of Yuasa’s composition. He sought to reflect the actual thoughts and ideas of Japanese traditions, instead of only imitating its sounds and techniques.
In this thesis, I first investigate the sociocultural context of post-war Japan and various discussions on the crisis of Japanese identity. In addition, the history of Jiken Kobo and the life of Yuasa will be also discussed. Finally, I will examine the traditional Japanese concept of temporality by analysing Yuasa’s Cosmos Haptic I.
Previous studies on Yuasa have focused exclusively on the analysis of his musical works. However, in my thesis I hope to understand and assess Yuasa’s works and his adoption of temporality by also examining the post-war context of Japan.