17th Century Japanese Art Transcribed for 21st Century American Ears

Vijay Iyer was commissioned to compose music for the Bang on a Can All-Stars that was derived from a specific set of Japanese artwork that’s been on display at Japan Society and the Met. The performance was called Rimpa Reimagined. We spoke with Iyer and members of Bang on a Can to discuss the process of creating and performing this music. Suzuki Kiitsu (1796-1858), Morning Glories, 1844 – 58. Metropolitan Museum of Art; Seymour Fund, 54.69.1, 2. Sakai Hōitsu (1761-1828), Waves, about 1815. Courtesy of the Seikadō Bunko Art Museum