Karen Tanaka facts for kids
Karen Tanaka (born April 7, 1961) is a Japanese composer. She creates many different kinds of music, including pieces for orchestras, films, and even video games. She is known for her unique style and her love for nature, which often inspires her work.
Quick facts for kids
Karen Tanaka
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Karen Tanaka (composer)
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Karen Tanaka |
| Born | 7 April 1961 Tokyo, Japan |
| Genres | Contemporary classical, Film Music |
| Occupation(s) | Composer |
| Instruments | piano, keyboard, synthesizer, personal computer |
| Years active | 1984–present |
Contents
About Karen Tanaka
Karen Tanaka was born in Tokyo, Japan. She started learning piano and composition when she was a child. She studied music at the Toho Gakuen School of Music in Tokyo. Later, she moved to Paris, France, to continue her studies. In 1987, she won an important award called the Gaudeamus International Composers Award. She also studied with famous composers like Luciano Berio.
Her Work in Film and TV
Karen Tanaka has worked on music for movies and TV shows. In 2012, she was chosen for a special program at the Sundance Institute. There, she learned from top Hollywood composers.
In 2016, she helped create music for the BBC TV series Planet Earth II. This show is famous for its amazing nature scenes. She has also composed music for many short films, cartoons, and documentaries. One animated film she scored, called Sister, was even nominated for an Academy Award in 2020!
Music Around the World
Karen Tanaka's music has been played by many famous groups and orchestras. These include the BBC Symphony Orchestra and the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Her music has also been used by dance companies, like the Nederlands Dans Theater.
Many organizations have asked her to create new music. These include the Royal Academy of Music and the Juilliard School. Her music is published by well-known companies like Chester Music. Today, she lives in Los Angeles and teaches composition at California Institute of the Arts.
Nature's Influence
Karen Tanaka loves nature and cares about the environment. This passion often inspires her music. Many of her pieces have titles that show this connection. Some examples are Frozen Horizon, Water and Stone, Ocean, Silent Ocean, and Tales of Trees.
Major Musical Works
Karen Tanaka has written many different types of musical pieces. Here are some of her main works, grouped by the instruments they are written for.
Orchestral Music
Orchestral music is written for a large group of instruments, like a symphony orchestra.
- Anamorphose (1986), for piano and orchestra
- Departure (1999–2000)
- Echo Canyon (1995)
- Guardian Angel (2000), for clarinet, harp, percussion and string orchestra
- Initium (1992–93), for orchestra and electronics
- Lost Sanctuary (2002)
- Urban Prayer (2003–04), for cello and orchestra
- Water of Life (2012–13)
Chamber Music
Chamber music is for a smaller group of instruments, usually with one player per part.
- Always in my heart (1999), for clarinet and piano
- At the grave of Beethoven (1999), for string quartet
- Dreamscape (2001), for 7 instruments
- Enchanted Forest (2013), for horn and piano
- Frozen Horizon (1998), for 7 instruments
- Ocean (2003), for violin and piano
- Silent Ocean (2005), for trumpet and piano
- Water and Stone (1999), for 8 instruments
Piano and Harpsichord Music
These pieces are written for either the piano or the harpsichord, an older instrument similar to a piano.
- Blue Crystal (2014), for piano
- Children of Light (1998–99), for piano
- Crystalline (1988), for piano
- Herb Garden (2005), for piano four hands (two people playing one piano)
- Lavender Field (2000), for piano
- Our Planet Earth (2010–11), for piano
- The Adventures of Anya (2021-23), for piano
- Water Dance (2008), for piano
- The Zoo in the Sky (1994–95), for piano
Solo Instrumental Music
These are pieces written for just one instrument.
- Aube (2020), for cello, narration and electronics
- L'Éternité (2021), for violin and electronics
- Metallic Crystal (1994–95), for metallic percussion and electronics
- Night Bird (1996), for alto saxophone and electronics
- The Song of Songs (1996), for cello and electronics
- Tales of Trees (2003), for marimba
Electroacoustic Music
This type of music combines traditional instruments or sounds with electronic sounds.
- Celestial Harmonics (1997)
- Inuit Voices (1997)
- Questions of Nature (1998)
Choral Music
Choral music is written for a choir, which is a group of singers.
- God is Love as Love is God (2009)
- Rise Up Hallelu (2009)
- Sleep Deeply (2018)
- Wait for the Lord (2009)
Sound Design
Karen Tanaka has also created special sounds for buildings and events.
- Opening Bell for Daiichi Seimei Hall (2000)
- Viva Suntory! for Suntory Hall (2010)
