- Date: 1961 -1993
- Composer: Toru Takemitsu
- Period: Modern (1910-1949)
Review
Takemitsu's score "Bad Boy" (1961) for two guitars, of approximately three minutes duration, is based on the music originally composed for a movie of the same name directed by Susumu Hani in 1961.Basically a set of variations on a theme, "Bad Boy" is entirely tonal with a flowing and simple melody like a European folksong. Beginning in a harmonic minor, and a flowing triple meter, the melody contains only one chromatically altered note on a quick modulation (the "bad boy" acting up) to d minor followed by a cadence to a minor. The theme is repeated again, sweetly harmonized in thirds shared among the two guitars, and this time there is no altered tone.
In the first variation the tempo is changed from triplet eighths to slightly faster regular eighths in 3/4 time, a typical Renaissance rhythmic modulation. The melody is extended with a gavotte-like feel that lapses briefly into 4/4 for its cadence.
The music seques directly into the second variation which is in the parallel major key. The rhythm is again changed into a slightly faster flowing tempo of regular eighths in 3/4 time, a pulsing accompaniment in one guitar underscoring the more "modern" and romantic ballad into which the old tune has transformed. This 24-measure section is repeated with its two measures of acceptably slightly "off" notes (the "bad boy" is still there amongst the sweetness).
This is followed by a third variation of boldly struck chords that modulate back to the parallel minor.
The theme is repeated again in its harmonized version, sans "bad boy" notes, and ends simply on two statements of the minor tonic chord.
A completely tonal, stylistic composition, so different from Takemitsu's own advanced concert music shows how thoroughly the composer mastered and had an ear for historical classical musics, both Japanese and European, as well as popular styles, like American jazz and Japanese folksong, and wrote with expressiveness and elegance in all of them.
~ All Music Guide
Albums with Complete Performances of the Work
| Title | Date |
| Bad Boy: Works for 2 Guitars | |
| Bad Boy: Works for 2 Guitars | |
| Hollywood Guitar Duo | |
| The Mantis & the Moon: Guitar Duets | 1996 |
| Transformations [Hybrid SACD] | 2005 |
