In 2012, Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra performed some of Franco Donatoni’s great orchestral works under the direction of composer and conductor Yoichi Sugiyama during the Suntory Foundation for Arts’ Summer Festival, celebrating Donatoni’s 85th birthday. The recordings are now released on this CD.
 
In Cauda II (1993/1994) was written in the context of a commission of the radio Süddeutscher Rundfunk Stuttgart; In Cauda III (1996) was composed for the 400th anniversary of the city of Valladolid in Spain.

Esa (In Cauda V) (2000) was commissioned by the Koussevitzky Foundation and the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra. The title Esa comes from the name of Esa-Pekka Salonen, who was one of Donatoni’s students but also one of his close friends.

Prom (1999) is a commission of the BBC Proms. Duo pour Bruno, written in memory of Bruno Maderna, was composed in the years 1974 and 1975.