Voice (Takemitsu)

Voice is notable for its use of extended techniques for the flute,^[3] including key slaps, multiphonics, and a variety of articulations.^[4] While writing the piece, Takemitsu likely consulted Bruno Bartolozzi's book New Sounds for Woodwinds.^[4]

As suggested by the piece's title, the flautist is required to speak sing, shout, hum, growl, and click the tongue throughout the piece. Over the course of the work, a spoken text is also delivered; for this, Takemitsu used a line from the poem Handmade Proverbs by Shuzo Takiguchi, first recited in French and then in English: "Qui va là? Qui que tu sois, parle, transparence! (Who goes there? Speak, transparence, whoever you are!)"^[4]

Voice also shows influences from Japanese music and theater, with comparisons being drawn to shakuhachi music and Noh.^[1]