Composition gives proper meaning to the natural streams of sound that penetrate the world. — Toru Takemitsu
Although I am basically self taught, I consider debussy my teacher – the most important elements are colour, light and shadow. — Toru Takemitsu
I probably belong to a type of composer of songs who keeps thinking about melody… I am old fashioned. — Toru Takemitsu
The art music of the west has developed through out its history by means of individual geniuses — Toru Takemitsu