Teiji Ito

Teiji Ito was a groundbreaking composer and musician known for his unique fusion of Eastern and Western musical traditions, often incorporating elements of world music, ritualistic rhythms, and experimental soundscapes. Born in Tokyo in 1935 and raised in New York City, he gained recognition for his long-standing collaboration with avant-garde filmmaker Maya Deren, scoring several of her iconic films including "Meshes of the Afternoon" and "Divine Horsemen: The Living Gods of Haiti." His work often wove together traditional instruments and non-Western influences in innovative ways that helped shape the landscape of experimental and film music in the mid-20th century.

In addition to his film scoring, Ito was known for live theater and dance collaborations, notably working with his wife, dancer and choreographer Jean Erdman. Albums like Watermill and The Shamanic Principles showcase his intense curiosity about global music traditions and his adventurous, boundary-pushing style. Whether composing for ritual, stage, or screen, Teiji Ito's music continues to resonate as deeply spiritual and culturally rich.

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