Written in 1985, the title of this work comes from the first name of a Zen priest of the Muromachi Period, Muso (mudream, sowindow) Soseki (1275 - 1351) reknown for his designs of famous gardens in Kyoto. The image of a struggle between conservative and progressive tendencies in an ancient city like Kyoto influenced Takemitsu in this work - he represents the left and right sides of the strings in conflict with each other, separated by a small ensemble of flute, clarinet and string quartet, "one might even call it an inner self" (Takemitsu). Another ensemble (two harps, celesta and guitar) sits at the center of the orchestra and create a "clear timbre as an intermediary between the inner and the outer" (Takemitsu). The form of the piece "resembles that of a dream ... a self-propelling narrative ... repeating and revealing itslf in a seemingly incoherent manner" it gradually establishes a tonal center for itself. A very lovely work filled with orchestral colors. ~ All Music Guide
