Irino, Yoshiro 1921 - 1980
Author: Sudoh, Eiko
Last updated：May 1, 2006
Author: Sudoh, Eiko
Born in Vladivostok, Soviet Union. He graduated from the Faculty of Economics, Tokyo Imperial University (now the University of Tokyo) in 1943. While enrolled, he studied composition under Saburo Moroi. After working at the Bank of Tokyo and serving as a Navy paymaster, he became an independent composer after the war. In 1946, he formed "Shinseikai" with Minao Shibata, Kunio Toda, and others, holding concerts to present their works. Subsequently, he developed a strong interest in the twelve-tone technique founded by Schoenberg, actively promoting it in magazines and other publications. In 1951, he composed Chamber Concerto for 7 Instruments, the first work by a Japanese composer to employ the twelve-tone technique. In 1957, he co-founded the "Institute of 20th Century Music" with Minao Shibata, Toshiro Mayuzumi, Makoto Moroi, and others, introducing new trends from abroad. In the 1970s, he composed works for traditional Japanese instruments and other Asian instruments. While teaching at Toho Gakuen School of Music, which he helped establish, he also actively engaged in international activities, including the founding of the Japan-Germany Contemporary Music Festival (now Panmusica Festival) and the Asian Composers League. He passed away in 1980 due to illness. In 1981, in accordance with his will, the "Irino Prize" (an international composition award for young composers) and the "ACL Irino Yoshiro Memorial Award" (a composition award for Asian composers) were established. At JML, which started as his personal office, seminars related to contemporary music, international exchange, and various music education programs continue to be held, primarily led by his wife, Reiko Takahashi.
Works(13)
Piano Solo (6)
pieces (2)
for children (3)
Piano Ensemble (2)