The Distinctive Piano Tone of Nobuyuki Tsujii

August 13, 2014, 4:02 pm

posted by M. L. Liu, owner of International Nobuyuki Tsujii fans site

Photo by Stephen Eastwood, 2009 Van Cliburn Competition photographer.

It has been painfully quiet since Nobu's July 26 performance in Taipei. Blog posts have been few and uninteresting; tweets keep coming but none too inspiring. So I was happy to suddenly come upon a batch of good postings just now, which I collected on this page. Among them is one thoughtful blog post that I thought deserves some special attention.

By chance I had just posted a piece on Nobu's Chopin Piano Concerto No. 1, in which I waxed poetic about the exact moment when I first became a Nobu fan. I wrote:

Nobu was only 20 when he captivated me so with this concerto. He played it without affectation. In his hands, every note emerged from the piano glistening with brilliance and clarity. There is a soulfulness and a sweet sorrow that tugs at the heartstrings.

I must confess that my description of Nobu's piano tone as "glistening with brilliance and clarity" is not entirely original. Similar words have appeared in many blog posts from Japan, where the piano tone of Nobu has been compared to sparkling water, brilliant jewel, pure crystal and radiant light. Everyone hears music differently, but enough people have made these observations that I believe that Nobu's piano tone does have a distinctive quality. In fact, I think a BBC radio commentator said just that.last November when Nobu performed Greig's Piano Concerto with the BBC Philharmonic in the U.K.

Occasionally I come across Japanese postings that postulate on how Nobu achieves this sound effect with the piano. Some say that when very young, Nobu was admonished by a unsentimental mentor to come up with a beautiful sound to distinguish himself from the thousands other virtuoso pianists. Others suggest that Nobu's tone has to do with his stretching of his fingers to strike the keys instead of using his arms (due to his blindness).

This is the blog post that came up today. My translation is tenuous, and I will gladly accept corrections.

「辻井伸行」さんの奇跡
私が応援しているピアノの神の化身「辻井伸行」さんは、
２００９年に「ヴァン・クライバーン国際ピアノコンクール」で優勝した時に、
「ヴァン・クライバーン」さん御自身から「奇跡のピアニスト」だと言われました。
Miracle of Mr. "Nobuyuki Tsujii"
I cheer the incarnation of the Piano God, Mr. "Nobuyuki Tsujii"
who won the "Van Cliburn International Piano Competition" in 2009,
and it was said that Mr. Van Cliburn himself called him a "miracle pianist".
それ以来、「辻井伸行」さんを紹介するキャチフレーズには、
しばしば、「奇跡のピアニスト」という言葉が使われるようになりました。
では、何故、ピアノの神の化身「辻井伸行」さんは「奇跡のピアニスト」なのでしょうか。
Since then, Mr. "Nobuyuki Tsujii" is often introduced in the media as the "miracle pianist."
So how does this miracle, the incarnation of the Piano God, come about?
生まれながらの全盲だからでしょうか？
全盲の演奏家は日本にも世界にも何人もいらっしゃいます。
その方々が「奇跡の演奏家」と言われているかと言えば、そうでもありません。
それは、「辻井伸行」さん独特の奏法にあります。
Is it because of his complete blindness? There are many completely sightless musicians in Japan as well as all over the world.
But I am not really aware of any other referred to as "miracle musician".
I think it has to do with the unique playing of Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii.
テレビや動画サイトで「辻井伸行」さんの手元を見ていただけると分かりますが、
「辻井伸行」さんは鍵盤を叩きません。
打鍵とはピアノの鍵盤を叩くことで、
弱い音は弱く叩き、強い音は強く叩くものであり、
それがピアノの正しい奏法であると、
日本でも世界でも信じられているようです。
From looking at the hands of Mr. Tsujii on TV and video,
I sense that he does not strike the keyboard.
Normally, keystrokes are tapped on the piano keyboard,
Slapping for very weak sound,
Hitting strongly for more powerful sound.
It seems that this is considered the correct way of playing the piano in Japan though perhaps not in the whole world.
しかし、「辻井伸行」さんのコンサートに行かれた方は、
ご自分が弾くピアノの音や、
他の演奏家のピアノの音と、
「辻井伸行」さんのピアノの音が随分違うことに気が付かれると思います。
「辻井伸行」さんのピアノの音はなんと澄み切った音なのだろうと。
However, those who have attended a live performance of Mr. "Nobuyuki Tsujii
Might notice that the piano sound of Mr. Tsujii is very different from that they hear from other pianists.
The sound of the piano of Mr. Tsujii is crystal clear.
「辻井伸行」さんは生まれながらの全盲の為、
周囲から聞こえる雑音が恐怖でした。
特に大きく聞こえる雑音はとてつもない恐怖でした。
その結果幼少時から、
ご自身が発するピアノの音からも、
徹底的に雑音を排除したいと思い、
日々血の滲むような努力と創意工夫をしました。
Mr. Tsujii was born blind, with a fear of noises that he heard around him.
He was particularly fearful of loud noises.
I believe that as a result, since when he was a child he wanted to eliminate noises from his own piano sound completely; he did so through great effort and ingenuity, like bleedingofbloodevery day.
その結果、ピアノの鍵盤は底まで叩くと、
ハンマーがピアノ線を叩く音と同じ強さの雑音が発生するので、
鍵盤が底を叩く手前までの距離で、
鍵盤を弱く遅く押して、ハンマーを弱く振れば弱い音が出て、
鍵盤を強く早く押して、ハンマーを強く振れば強い音が出るといことを、
６歳の時に「川上昌裕」先生に出会うまでに徹底的に鍛えました。
When a piano key is pressed to the bottom of the keyboard,
The sound is generated when the hammer hits the piano wire.
At a distance of up to just before the bottom of the keyboard is reached,
Pressing the keyboard softly and slowly would cause the hammer to strike weakly.
If the hammer strikes strongly, the sound come off strongly.
By the time he was aged 6 and met up with Mr. Masahiro Kawakami, he was already thoroughly trained.
「川上昌裕」先生は、「辻井伸行」さんの、
鍵盤上を滑る様に動き、
伸ばした指で鍵盤を押す様に澄み切った音を出す奏法を、
「辻井伸行」さんの素晴らしい個性だと考え矯正しませんでした。
Teacher Mr. Masahiro Kawakami Masahiro saw Nobuyuki Tsujii's playing.
The movement glides above the keyboard,
The the keyboard is pressed with stretched fingers and the playing generates a crystal clear sound.
He did not want to suggest corrections to contradict the great personality of Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii.
そして、運命の１２年間の特訓がによって、
「辻井伸行」さんの澄み切った素晴らしい音が確立されるのです。
And, as fate would have it, 12 years of intensive training ensued,
And Mr. Tsujii established a wonderful, crystal clear sound.
「辻井伸行」さんのコンサートにいらっしゃった方はお分かりだと思いますが、
「辻井伸行」さんの演奏は実にダイナミックです。
しかし、全ての音が澄み切っています。
最弱音から最強音まで、
どんな超絶技巧の部分も、
全ての音を鍵盤の底を叩かずに、
滑る様に押し込んで音を出しているのです。
Although I think if you have ever been to a concert of Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii, you can see that his performance is dynamic indeed.
Yet all the sound is crystal clear.
Sound from the strongest to the most muted.
He makes virtuoso performances,
Without striking the keys to the bottom of the keyboard,
The sound is instead emitted smoothly.
その様な演奏をするピアニストは、
世界に「辻井伸行」さん唯一人です。
「ヴァン・クライバーン」さんは、
その様な「辻井伸行」さんを「奇跡のピアニスト」と言ったのです。
Mr. Tsujii is the only pianist in the world that plays like that.
As Mr. Van Cliburn said, "Nobuyuki Tsujii is a miracle pianist."

My Japanese translation is suspect, and I don't necessarily subscribe to the theory in this post. I do know that Nobu was averse to noises when he was a child -- as documented by his mother in her writing and in interviews, and I have seen film footage that shows a petrified little Nobu cowering from the loud sound of an orchestra, clinging to his mother for comfort. (Coincidentally, in the excellent BBC documentary The Genius of Mozart, it is mentioned that little Wolfgang Mozart too was very sensitive to noises.)

Some piano teachers watch in horror Nobu's raised pinkies on the keyboard. (Playing with the small fingers protruding is considered unsightly and bad technique in piano playing.) And some Western critics have derided Nobu's playing as mechanical because, unlike sighted pianists, he cannot lift his hands high above the keyboard and strike the keys in free fall. I respectfully disagree with these learned experts.

↧

Happy 26, Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii!

August 18, 2014, 11:40 am

≫ Next: Nobu, the Healthy Pianist

≪ Previous: The Distinctive Piano Tone of Nobuyuki Tsujii

M. L. Liu, the Unofficial Website for International Fans of Nobuyuki Tsujii

Nobu's birthday is September 13.

i
mage via Internet link

Starting at just after midnight on September 13, a flood of tweets came up celebrating Nobu's birthday.

Yura tweeted:

辻井伸行君今日 9月13日で 26歳若き天才ピアニストは、これからももっともっとますます世界に羽ばたいて行くことでしょう(((o(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)o))) ノブ君、お誕生日おめでとう🎉 君は、日本の誇りですよ Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii, September 13, 26 year old. May this young genius pianist spread his wings in the world more and more in the future. Happy birthday. You are the pride of Japan.

辻井伸行さん、お誕生日おめでとうございます。辻井さんの演奏本当に心揺さぶられます。 Nobuyuki Tsujii 's, Happy Birthday. I am really moved by the piano playing of Mr. Tsujii.

_happybirthday ”寅さん”シリ－ズを始め日本人の本質・情感を鋭く捉えた名作を作り上げた名映画監督：山田洋次。世界的建築家・独学でその境地を極めた天才肌は驚くばかり：安藤忠雄。やはり世界的若き・盲目の本当の天才ピアニスト・活躍及びステージ演奏は注目の的：辻井伸行。 Happy birthday. Film director of masterpieces: Yoji Yamada. Awesome unique genius self-taught pioneer global architect: Tadao Ando. Also, young blind genius pianist whose performance on stage has attracted attention all over the world: Nobuyuki Tsujii.

おはようございます。今日は草創期日本陸軍軍楽隊を育てた仏人シャルル・ルルー、作曲家アルノルト・シェーンベルク、ブルーグラスの父ビル・モンロー、ジャズ評論家レナード・フェザー、ジャズ歌手メル・トーメ、玉置浩二、三原じゅん子、ピアニスト辻井伸行の誕生日です。 Today is birthday of ... painter Charles Leroux, composer Arnold Schoenberg, bluegrass pioneer Bill Monroe, jazz critic Leonard Feather, jazz singer Mel Torme, Koji Tamaki, Mihara Junko and pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii .

今日9月13日は、クララ・シューマン（1819年）、アルノルト・シェーンベルク（1874年）、ニコライ・ギャウロフ（1929年）、辻井伸行（1988年）の誕生日であり、エマニュエル・シャブリエ（1894年）、レオポルド・ストコフスキー（1977年）の命日です。 Today, September 13, is the birthday of Clara Schumann (1819), Arnold Schoenberg (1874), Nicolai Ghiaurov (1929), and Nobuyuki Tsujii (1988); it is the anniversary of Emmanuel Chabrier (1894), Leopold Stokowski (1977).

( ´-`).｡oO（辻井伸行さん、お誕生日おめでとうございます） Ooh, happy birthday, Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii
------------------------------
On September 13, 2014, my beloved Nobu turns 26, all grown-up. Here he is in a recent photo (below) by his long-time photographer 堀裕二 Yuji Hori. This black-and-white photo appeared on the cover of Japan's Style Norway Magazine and will also appear on the jacket of his upcoming Liszt CD. I love the photo because it beautifully captures the more mature Nobu that I have seen during the year.

image via Internet link

This has been a year of quiet achievements. There was no spectacle like the 2013 Proms, but many milestones were turned. In October Nobu made an impressive debut with the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra in the U.S. In November he played the "Grieg Concerto" with the BBC Philharmonic, then debuted at the Berlin Philharmonic Chamber Hall, where he kicked off his Ravel/Chopin Tour. He went on to wow the European audiences in Udine (Italy) and Munich (Germany). In January, Nobu toured the East Coast of U.S., making a return appearance in the Carnegie Hall to perform with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. This was followed by a successful 10-stop tour in Japan with the orchestra. In spring, Nobu debuted in La Scala (Italy) and the Louvre Museum Auditorium (Paris). He spent time in the U.S. in April, and was generously received in Mobile, Alabama. The month of May found Nobu in Switzerland and Germany. This summer, his Premier Ravel/Chopin recital tour in Japan sold out all 9 stops, as has his THE PIANIST festival tour (co-starring with 3 other pianists/composers). In July, Nobu's recital in Taipei sold out 2000+ seats.

Nobu at the piano in La Scala , image via Internet link

Nobu's star continues to shine brightly in his homeland. His concerts -- especially his recitals -- continue to sell out quickly. Attempts to smear Nobu in the wake of the "Japanese Beethoven" scandal (February) were silenced; true talent prevails. Nobu's star power was tapped at home on many occasions. On April 5, Nobu made a surprise appearance in an extravaganza ceremony for the 100th anniversary celebration of the Takarazuka Revue 宝塚歌劇 (an all-female Broadway-style musical troupe), of which the pianist's grandmother is said to be a big fan.

Nobu performs at the Takarazuka Revue centennial anniversary image via Internet link, Japan Economic News article

On May 21, Nobu performed for a crowd of 20,000 at the Tokyo National Stadium commemorating the closing of the stadium. On June 6, he was at Tokyo's 2014 Olympic Concert celebrating Japan's participation at the Sochi Winter Olympics.

Nobu at the Tokyo National Stadium image via Internet link

I am grateful for the privilege of seeing Nobu in three terrific documentaries this past year. From Japan came a BS-Asahi TV special on New Year Day, followed in June by a Fuji TV special Nobuyuki Tsujii × Swiss Journey. And Peter Rosen's just-released "Touching the Sound", on DVD and in English, was a special treat for someone (me!) who has no hope of mastering spoken Japanese.

Looking sharp in a striped shirt, Nobu practices Chopin's Nocturne No. 20 in C# minor, at the Berlin Philharmonic Chamber Hall. New Year Day BS-Asahi TV special

It pleases me that Nobu continues to expand his repertoire spectacularly. This year he has reached several new peaks. A challenging Chopin/Liszt recital program was followed in short order by a even more demanding Ravel/Chopin program that includes the fiendishGaspard de la Nuit. My worries that Nobu was going into overdrive proved groundless, as he met each challenge "with flying colors" (as U.S. fan Jamie put it.) And even as I write, Nobu is off to scale yet another mountain, Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 3!

I was especially impressed that his Ravel/Chopin premium tour sold out quickly and was warmly received in Japan even though the recital program features music perhaps unfamiliar to many of Nobu's audience. Sail on, Tsujii-san! Please have a look at the wish list that we fans made up, of the works that some of us would like to hear from our beloved Tsujii-san in the near future.
---------------------

CODA

At age twenty-six, Nobu is now entering his late twenties. The round-faced rotund young man who made a name for himself at the 2009 Van Cliburn Competition has grown into a seasoned performer. The physique is trimmer; the face more angular. But the innocence and the earnestness remain intact.

I am grateful that I got to see Nobu in person a lot this past year, in Japan around Nobu's last birthday; in New York City last January; and then again in Germany in May. Each encounter brought me great joy.

In Germany I was especially happy to have a chance to speak to Nobu up close in a quiet setting. I had wanted to do this for a long time. I explained to him that whatever effort that I have made on his behalf -- this blog; the Unofficial International Fans Site; the facebook page; postings to twitter -- all these I do happily for no reason other than as a humble attempt to help Tsujii-san to become as successful as he deserves to be. Nobu rewarded me with a big hug that lifted me to the sky.

But Nobu has given me much, much more: A happiness in my heart; something to look forward to each day; a love for classical music; a reason to travel the world; and a return to the piano after decades. Thanks to Tsujii-san, I can now even strum out Chopin's Op. 27-2 (the real score, not a simplified rendition!) and other nocturnes on my Baldwin. All these I owe to Nobu.

Happy birthday, Tsujii-san!

Nobu and me, Germany 2014

Related articles
Happy 25, Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii!
Happy 24, Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii! (A Year of Triumphs)
Happy 23, Nobu! 辻井伸行君２３歳の誕生日おめでとう。

↧

Nobu, the Healthy Pianist

August 19, 2014, 9:04 pm

≫ Next: Nobu at the 2014 THE PIANIST festival

≪ Previous: Happy 26, Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii!

by M. L. Liu, the Unofficial Website for International Fans of Nobuyuki Tsujiii

Nobuyuki Tsujii in St. Petersburg, 2012. Photo posted on EuroArts Music Facebook site

The other day I listened to a radio broadcast of a "Russian First" concert that took place last month at the Hollywood Bowl. Esa Pekka Salonen conducted the Los Angles Philharmonic. Yuja Wang, the soloist, performed in two concertos: Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No. 1 and Prokofiev's pianoConcerto No. 1.

The performance was lauded by Los Angeles Times critic Mark Swed, a chronic cheerleader for the L.A. Phil and Ms. Wang. But the Shostakovich 1 and Prokofiev 1 were, to my uncouth ears, deadly dull.

What did catch my attention was a mentioning by the commentator that the pianist was just returning from a month-long rib injury. I think I read elsewhere that some time ago Ms. Wang also had to rest for wrist injuries. It brought up a concern that I have had for Nobu.

There are people who think that piano playing is for sissies. How physically demanding can it be when even old ladies can sit and play on the keyboard for hours? Moreover, to the casual eye a virtuoso pianist appears to perform on stage effortlessly. Indeed, it seems part of the unwritten job description of a concert pianist to foster that illusion. The truth is not as pretty.

In the 2009 Van Cliburn Competition Documentary, there are some scenes filmed backstage, including one of Nobu's mother and two other ladies standing in the wings, all three in tears as on stage Nobu performed Chopin 1. (The scene also appears in the just released DVD "Touching the Sound".) Look to the bottom of the screen during that scene, and you can see bottles of Tylenol and other pain-relieving drugs lined up on a table, apparently there at the service of the contestants to dull their headaches and ease their joint inflammations.

According to studies, injuries are as much of a occupational hazard for a musician as for an athlete. Pianists are no exception. Performing on the piano at the level of a concert pianist is a strenuous task, both mentally and physically. I read somewhere that the physical exertion of a pianist during a concerto performance is comparable to that of a sprinter in action. Even with the best acoustics, a pianist struggles to generate enough sound for the piano to be heard in a packed concert hall, and to overcome the collective sound of a large orchestra.

Someone once tweeted that the real miracle of Nobu's 2013 BBC Proms Debut is that a pianist as physically small as Nobu could generate that magnificent piano sound in the Royal Albert Hall. Nobu's physique is indeed diminutive, and the exertion required of him at a performance like that must be considerable. Nobu used to breathe very heavily during his playing, something commented on by Mrs. Davidson, of Nobu's host family, in the 2009 Cliburn Competition documentary. After a performance, his face is often flushed with perspiration. I also recall seeing in a documentary a scene where Nobu has his drenched back toweled off under his shirt, backstage after a performance.

Nobu is young, healthy and -- at this early stage of his career -- full of adrenaline. He can routinely pull off a superhuman feat such as playing La Campanella for encore just after an arduous performance of Rachmaninov 2 or Prokofiev 3. But I do worry about the physical tolls that these performances take on him.

Nobu has a solid build. He is as strong as a horse. I can tell you from first-hand experience that Nobu's shoulder muscles are rock solid. His upper-body and arm strength belie his pint size. These are pluses for a healthy pianist. On the negative side, Nobu has unusual posture and unorthodox playing techniques. The exaggerated curve in his back as he stoops over the keyboard, that constant swaying of his head, and the unremitting strain on his wrists as he pounds on the keyboard -- they do worry me.

In this illustration of Nobu by blogger ぼや記 Boya-ki, - the red arrow points at Nobu's bent back as he plays. Image via Internet link

I hope that Nobu and those who care for him are mindful of common musician injuries such as repetitive motion injuries and over-use injuries. I hope Nobu does not ever make the mistake of playing through pain, which would only aggravate a problem. And I hope Nobu has his ears checked regularly so that his almost-constant piano playing does not wear out his hearing, which is especially crucial to him.

On the bright side, Nobu seems to be in good health and in good hands. Like Evgeny Kissin, Nobu performs a moderate number of concerts each year, about 60. ( By comparison, Ms. Wang and Lang Lang are said to perform 100 or more.) It is no secret that it is a constant struggle for Nobu to keep his weight under control, but he is fortunate that he lives in a country with a culture of healthy diet. In interviews, Nobu is quoted as saying that he has no trouble falling asleep, even on planes (I wish I could say the same but then I don't travel anywhere as much as he does.) We have seen Nobu work out in gyms and lap-swim in pools. He enjoys hiking. All these bode well for his health.

Let's hope Nobu will always find time to keep up with the exercises and to watch his health in spite of his busy schedule. And let's hope that he will always have someone to care for him and help him stay away from the injuries that plague some of his peers.

Take care, take care, Tsujii-san -- stay healthy, so that we fans may have the pleasure of enjoying your music for many, many more years!

Cartoon by Harry Bliss

↧

Nobu at the 2014 THE PIANIST festival

August 22, 2014, 3:30 pm

≫ Next: Nobuyuki Tsujii, the global pianist

≪ Previous: Nobu, the Healthy Pianist

by M. L. Liu, the Unofficial Website for International Fans of Nobuyuki Tsujiii
THE PIANIST Festival took place August 23 through September 3, 2014. There were 9 stops in Japan (Kyoto, Osaka, Niigata, Sapporo, Fukuoka, Aichi, Tokyo - 3 shows), with only three days of break. All 9 stops have been declared sold out for months. This was the second year of this festival, organized by Avex Classics.
Nobuyuki Tsujii was joined in these performances by fellow pianists/composers Takashi Kako and Les Freres (The Brothers), all Avex Classics artists.

image via Internet link
September 15
A lengthy concluding blog postin a series by someone who was at a PIANIST performance, with excellent photos.

レ・フレールと辻井伸行さんとの奇跡のようなコラボ演奏も終わり、これですべてのプログラムが終わったのか・・・と思いつつ、誰もがまだ感動のなか、席を立とうとせず、拍手を送り続けていた、そのとき・・・ And Nobuyuki Tsujii and Mr. Les Freres Collaboration played like a miracle is over, and we wonder if the performance was over. While I was still pondering that, everyone tried to stand up in excitement and continued to applaud at the same time ...

September 1-3 Monday - Wednesday. The last three performances of THE PIANIST festival takes place in Suntory Hall (2006 seats), Tokyo.

image via wikipedia
Our friend Yuko was at the last performance of the PIANIST tour, in Tokyo, and we thank her for sharing her experience --
３PM スタート：平日のこの時間に満席なんて！
舞台には3台のピアノ。中央のピアノにライトがあたり、Nobuくん登場。
演奏曲は５曲で、ほかの公演と同じ。
3PM on a weekday, and the venue was full.
There were 3 pianos on stage.
The light struck the piano in the middle, and Nobu-kun appeared.
He played five songs, same as in the other performances.

１曲目の後と、３曲目の後に、演奏曲の説明をする。
しっかり映画Maestro!の宣伝をしたり、もしかしたらアンコールを弾くかもしれないと話して、笑いをさそう。
And after the first and third song, he talked to describe the song the he was going to play, actively advertising the movie Maestro!
And he said that he just may play an encore, to invite laughter.
今日がツアーの最終公演なので寂しい、と残念そう。
はじめて聴くMaestro!はどちらかというと静かに聴かせる曲。
美しい音がホールに響き、幸せな時間。
This was the last performance of the tour, and there was a sense of sadness and regret. The songs were listened to quietly, including Maestro! heard for the first time.
Beautiful sound sounded in the hall; a happy time.

アンコール演奏に入る前に、来年の１月２７，２８日Suntory HallでのLiverpool Phil公演の宣伝。
Before entering the encore, he promoted the concerts with the Liverpool Phil on January 27, 28 in Suntory Hall next year.
もしよろしければ、どちらか、もしくは両方と話してまた笑いが起こる。
それでも、生きてゆく
He did not seem to mind that laughter occurred during both times that he talked.
"Still, we live on"
"La Campanella・・・弾きはじめると、どよめきが起き、演奏後はすごい拍手。
聴きながら、去年Chopin/Lisztをここで聴いたときの感動を思い出した。
As he started playing La Campanella ···,
A roar came up.
Applause and wow after playing.
While listening,
I remember the excitement when I heard here the Chopin / Liszt last year.

Mr.Kakoのピアノを中央に移動して２部start.
演奏曲とencoreは、ほかの公演と同じ。
今までに数多くの作曲されている方だけれど、私ははじめて聴く曲が多かった。
うまく言えないけれど、落ち着いた色彩の絵を見ている感じ。
Mr.Kakoも映画とCDとコンサートの宣伝をして笑いが起こる。
For the second part, the piano of Mr. Kako was moved to the center.
Encore performances and songs, the same as in the other performances.
He has composed numerous songs, but this was the first time that I listened to so many.
It is hard to describe, but I feel that I was looking at pictures of calm colors.
Laughter occurs when Mr.Kako promoted his concert, CD and movie

４：２５から２０分休憩 20 minutes intermission
４：５５からLes Freres

躍動感のある曲が多く、観客の手拍子、ファンの掛け声が入ったりして大盛り上がり。
ピアノのいろいろな弾き方を提示。
今日発売のCDと今月始まるコンサートの宣伝をして、また客席から笑いが起きる。
Songs that are uplifting; lots of applause from the audience, with loud shouts from fans. They presented a variety of piano playing. And the audience also laughed when they promote their upcoming concerts and CD released today.

ここからのencoreはMiyukiさんの書いたとおりの進行。
１曲目、Les Freresに連れられてNobuくんが登場すると大歓声。
中央のピアノで弾きはじめると歓声、立ち上がって弾くとまた歓声、弾き終わって大拍手。
Encore from here progress as it was written by Miyuki. First track,
Cheers for Nobu-kun when he re-appeared on stage, led by Les Freres.
Cheers came up as he started playing the piano while standing in the middle (between the two brother).
People also cheer him playing standing up.
And large applause when they have finished playing.

NobuくんもLes Freresもすごくうれしそう。
ここでMr.Kakoも登場。Nobuくんは右、Mr.Kakoは中央、Les　Freresは左のピアノに移動。
”黄昏のワルツ”がNobuくんの演奏で始まったとき、その美しさに思わず涙がこぼれそうになった。
Then Mr.Kako also appeared.
Nobu-kun is on the right,
Mr.Kako in the center,
Les Freres moved to the piano on the left.
When Nobu-kun began playing "Twilight Waltz"
Tears was about to spill involuntarily due to its beauty.

過去のNobuくんのコンサートと較べ、今日のようなスタンディングオベーションははじめて。
拍手に応えて、４人で手をつないで、前、左、後ろ、右、前とお辞儀。
拍手が鳴りやまず、何度もカーテンコール。
Mr.KakoがNobuくんの肩をだいて舞台袖に下がって行くのは、とても感動的！
終演はなんと５：４５！でした。
Compared with the concert of Nobu-kun of the past,
This was the first time that there was a standing ovation like today for the first time.
In response to the applause, hand in hand with four people, before bowing left, back, right, and front.
The applause sounds like a mountain, curtain call many times.
Mr. Kako was holding Nobu-kun by the shoulder as they went to the wings,
Very impressive!
Curtain at a whop
********************
Other blog posts:
http://blog.goo.ne.jp/syoma1101/e/05aceb08f7789906ad2f5694381026a7
http://ameblo.jp/hagurekaiteijin-maonlove/entry-11919563104.html
http://shimashimazebra.blog96.fc2.com/blog-entry-2244.html
http://kuyugengen.exblog.jp/21072590/
http://kauko.exblog.jp/21074524/
http://soleilsuz.exblog.jp/22560921/ [one of several postings about the concert by this blogger]
最前列の中央というぜいたくな席だった私は、
登場した辻井さんが、
すぐ目の前のでピアノに向かわれたことの臨場感に、
圧倒されそうでした＾＾
辻井さんが、椅子に座り、
そっと鍵盤に指を置いたその瞬間・・・
一瞬ふわっと、
辻井さんが笑顔になったのです☆
辻井伸行君聴きながら、ネルーーー！
おやすみなさい。...
I had the luxury of sitting in the middle of the front row,
Mr. Tsujii appeared, and I was overwhelmed with the sense of reality that the piano was right in front of me.
Mr. Tsujii sat down, and
At that moment that he put his fingers on the keyboard softly
I smiled listening to Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii, Neru!
Good night ...

September 3 postings

It sounds like there will be some broadcast in Japan about the tour -- please read on

image via Internet link
itatelier.jugem.jp/?day=20140902 [blog of staff of Mr. Kako]
... 今日はツアーの最終地、東京公演の2日目です。テレビカメラも入り、終演後は対談収録も行われました。辻井伸行さん、レ・フレールの斎藤守也さん、斎藤圭土さんのお二人、そしてKAKOさん、3組のアーティストを待っている椅子たちとピアノです。
オンエアが楽しみです！
2014/09/02
... Today we are at the final location of the tour,
It is the second day of the Tokyo show.
Television cameras were present, and there was a talk recorded after the show.
Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii, the Saito Brothers And KAKO,
There was a piano and chairs waiting for the artists of three sets.
I look forward to the broadcast!
****
http://ameblo.jp/hiko-hikonyan/entry-11919414195.html
THE PIANIST ｺﾝﾎﾟｰｻﾞｰﾋﾟｱﾆｽﾄﾌｪｽﾃｨﾊﾞﾙ2014
2014年09月03日
昨日、妹とサントリーホールへ、THE PIANIST ｺﾝﾎﾟｰｻﾞｰﾋﾟｱﾆｽﾄﾌｪｽﾃｨﾊﾞﾙ2014（♪ ）と言う3組のピアニスト競演のコンサートへ行ってきました。
辻井ｸﾝのコンサートへはいつか行ってみたい。生で彼の演奏を聴いてみたい。とずっと思っていたので、
4月にチケット取ってから、ずーーーっとこの日を心待ちにしていました。
THE PIANIST composer pianist Festival 2014
September 3, 2014
Yesterday I went to sister, I went to a concert at Suntory Hall, with my sister, three sets of pianists THE PIANIST composer pianist Festival 2014 (♪).
I wanted to go someday to a concert of Tsujii Kun. I wanted to listen to him play live. Because I thought about it so much that I took the tickets back in April. I was really looking forward to this day.
そして、兄弟ピアニストで1台のピアノを演奏するレ・フレール、帽子姿で演奏するオシャレな加古ｻﾝ。
なんとも贅沢なプログラムです。
演は15：00からだったのですが、その前に腹ごしらえナイフとフォーク
アーク森ビル１階の築地すし好　JIN 仁にてランチ割り
THE PIANIST
本日の丼ランチ＠１５００円
ひと肌のシャリに、シマアジ、サーモン、ホタテ、ヒラメそしてカニのほぐし身。サラダと味噌汁付き。
And, Les Freres the brothers and Kako San wearing the stylish hat --
It is a downright luxury program.
Performance started from 15:00, but fork and knife before that
Lunch at Tsukiji Sushi on the first floor ARK Mori Building
THE PIANIST
Bowl lunch @ 1500 yen today -- crab, salmon, scallops, and flounder. Miso soup and salad.
言うまでもなく、めちゃくちゃ美味しかったです。
ビールビールも一緒にいただき、良い～～気分でそのままホールへ。。。
座席は２階席２列目の中央ﾁｮｯﾄ右寄り。
ホール全体が見渡せ、しかもステージまで思っていたより近くて、アーティストのみなさんの顔が良く見えました。
オープニングは辻井ｸﾝ。
Needless to say, it was delicious.
We downed beer, and went into the Hall in a good mood ~ ~. . .
Our seats were a little to the right of the center, second row on the second floor.
We were close and overlooked the entire concert, but the stage was smaller than expected, and we could look at the face of every artist well.
Tsujii Kun opened the show.
途中、曲紹介やスイスでの海外公演でのエピソードなどのMCを自ら務め（他の方も同じく）、映画曲やオリジナル曲も含め５曲＋アンコール２曲を演奏。
最後に弾いたラ・カンパネラはやはり凄かったですが、彼が編曲したラフマニノフ作曲バガニーニの主題による狂詩曲はとても素晴らしかったです。　（誰もが一度は耳にした事のある曲だと思います）
In the middle, he served as his own MC like in the episode of overseas performances in Switzerland, and introduced his song. And he played 5 songs + 2 encorse including original songs and movie songs.
La Campanella played at the end was great, but still, Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini, arranged by him, was so amazing. (I think it was the first time that everyone heard it.)
この曲は、スイス公演の模様をテレビ番組で密着していたのを見た時に、実際ラフマニノフが使用してたピアノで彼自ら弾いていましたが、やはり生で聴くと更に更に感動。素晴らしかったです。
This song, when I saw it on the television program of Switzerland , he was playing on a piano used by Rachmaninoff himself, but I was even more impressed listening to it again live . It was wonderful.
そして２番手は、加古隆ｻﾝ。...
最後はレ・フレール。...
その盛り上がりのまま、フィナーレへ～～んで、再度ステージに辻井ｸﾝが登場～～。やったビックリマークわーい
レ・フレールの曲「Boogie Woogie 」に参戦ｗ
辻井ｸﾝとレ・フレールの即興演奏です。
And second place, Takashi Kako San. ...
Les Frères last. ...
Remains the climax, to the finale ~ ~ Tsujii Kun ~ ~ appeared on stage again. Yay surprised!! Participated with Les Freres in "Boogie Woogie" in an improvisation by Les Freres and Tsujii Kung.
３人で１台のピアノ、弾いてました(@_@)
クラシックな曲だけでなく、ジャズっぽいノリのいい曲もなんなく引けてしまう辻井ｸﾝにこれまた感動。
３人の息がピッタリと合って、会場は大盛り上がりでしたけど、
Three people were playing on one piano (@ _ @)
I was impressed that Tsujii Kun rose to the occasion without difficulty; it was not a classic song, but a song with a good jazzy beat.
Breath of three people fit snugly, but the venue was a big climax,
あれ？加古ｻﾝは・・・？
はい、その後ちゃんと加古ｻﾝも登場し、３台のピアノ、３アーティストで演奏。
感動、感動、感動～～～～ステキ～～～～☆
途中２０分の休憩をはさんで、終わったのが１８：００。
あっという間の３時間でした。
And,is that Mr. Kako Sun ...?
Yes, Kako san also appeared, three sets of artists playing three pianos
Excitement, excitement, excitement ~ ~ ~ ~ nice ~~~~ ☆
It was over at 18:00, with a break of 20 minutes in the middle.
It was 3 hours in a blink.
このTHE PIANISTは、どうやら違う会場で、１２月にクリスマスコンサートとしてもあるようなので、
また行けたらいいな～
しかも、会場がうちから徒歩１５分て距離^_^;　
チケット確保が大変そうだけどね・・・
THE PIANIST will apparently come back, in a different venue, because it seems there is also a Christmas concert in December,
I might go, especially since the venue is within 15 minutes of walking distance.I have not secured a ticket, but it is very likely.
[Playlist omitted]
*************
Our friend Yuko was at the last performance of the PIANIST tour, in Tokyo, and we thank her for sharing her experience
３PM スタート：平日のこの時間に満席なんて！
舞台には3台のピアノ。中央のピアノにライトがあたり、Nobuくん登場。
演奏曲は５曲で、ほかの公演と同じ。
3PM on a weekday, and the venue was full.
There were 3 pianos on stage.
The light struck the piano in the middle, and Nobu-kun appeared.
He played five songs, same as in the other performances.
１曲目の後と、３曲目の後に、演奏曲の説明をする。
しっかり映画Maestro!の宣伝をしたり、もしかしたらアンコールを弾くかもしれないと話して、笑いをさそう。
And after the first and third song, he talked to describe the song the he was going to play, actively advertising the movie Maestro!
And he said that he just may play an encore, to invite laughter.
今日がツアーの最終公演なので寂しい、と残念そう。
はじめて聴くMaestro!はどちらかというと静かに聴かせる曲。
美しい音がホールに響き、幸せな時間。
This was the last performance of the tour, and there was a sense of sadness and regret. The songs were listened to quietly, including Maestro! heard for the first time.
Beautiful sound sounded in the hall; a happy time.

アンコール演奏に入る前に、来年の１月２７，２８日Suntory HallでのLiverpool Phil公演の宣伝。
Before entering the encore, he promoted the concerts with the Liverpool Phil on January 27, 28 in Suntory Hall next year.
もしよろしければ、どちらか、もしくは両方と話してまた笑いが起こる。
それでも、生きてゆく
He did not seem to mind that laughter occured during both times that he talked.
"Still, we live on"
"La Campanella・・・弾きはじめると、どよめきが起き、演奏後はすごい拍手。
聴きながら、去年Chopin/Lisztをここで聴いたときの感動を思い出した。
As he started playing La Campanella ···,
A roar came up.
Applause and wow after playing.
While listening,
I remember the excitement when I heard here the Chopin / Liszt last year.

Mr.Kakoのピアノを中央に移動して２部start.
演奏曲とencoreは、ほかの公演と同じ。
今までに数多くの作曲されている方だけれど、私ははじめて聴く曲が多かった。
うまく言えないけれど、落ち着いた色彩の絵を見ている感じ。
Mr.Kakoも映画とCDとコンサートの宣伝をして笑いが起こる。
For the second part, the piano of Mr. Kako was moved to the center.
Encore performances and songs, the same as in the other performances.
He has composed numerous songs, but this was the first time that I listened to so many.
It is hard to describe, but I feel that I was looking at pictures of calm colors.
Laughter occurs when Mr.Kako promoted his concert, CD and movie
４：２５から２０分休憩 20 minutes intermission
４：５５からLes Freres
躍動感のある曲が多く、観客の手拍子、ファンの掛け声が入ったりして大盛り上がり。
ピアノのいろいろな弾き方を提示。
今日発売のCDと今月始まるコンサートの宣伝をして、また客席から笑いが起きる。
Songs that are uplifting; lots of applause from the audience, with loud shouts from fans. They presented a veriety of piano playing. And the audience also laughed when they promote their upcoming concerts and CD released today.
ここからのencoreはMiyukiさんの書いたとおりの進行。
１曲目、Les Freresに連れられてNobuくんが登場すると大歓声。
中央のピアノで弾きはじめると歓声、立ち上がって弾くとまた歓声、弾き終わって大拍手。
Encore from here progress as it was written by Miyuki. First track,
Cheers for Nobu-kun when he re-appeared on stage, led by Les Freres.
Cheers came up as he started playing the piano while standing in the middle (between the two brother).
People also cheer him playing standing up.
And large applause when they have finished playing.
NobuくんもLes Freresもすごくうれしそう。
ここでMr.Kakoも登場。Nobuくんは右、Mr.Kakoは中央、Les　Freresは左のピアノに移動。
”黄昏のワルツ”がNobuくんの演奏で始まったとき、その美しさに思わず涙がこぼれそうになった。
Then Mr.Kako also appeared.
Nobu-kun is on the right,
Mr.Kako in the center,
Les Freres moved to the piano on the left.
When Nobu-kun began playing "Twilight Waltz"
Tears was about to spill involuntarily due to its beauty.
過去のNobuくんのコンサートと較べ、今日のようなスタンディングオベーションははじめて。
拍手に応えて、４人で手をつないで、前、左、後ろ、右、前とお辞儀。
拍手が鳴りやまず、何度もカーテンコール。
Mr.KakoがNobuくんの肩をだいて舞台袖に下がって行くのは、とても感動的！
終演はなんと５：４５！でした。
Compared with the concert of Nobu-kun of the past,
This was the first time that there was a standing ovation like today for the first time.
In response to the applause, hand in hand with four people, before bowing left, back, right, and front.
The applause sounds like a mountain, curtain call many times.
Mr.Kako was holding Nobu-kun by the shoulder as they went to the wings,
Very impressive!
Curtain at a whopping 5:45! Done.
*************
シッターより昨日、辻井伸行さん、加古隆さん、レ．クレールの三組のコンサートに行ってきました。最後は観客の皆さんが手拍子して演奏者と観客の素晴らしい一体感でした。とても感動しました。今日も仕事に頑張ります！Found a babysitter yesterday, and went to concert of Nobuyuki Tsujii,
Kako Takashi and Les Frese. The finale was a great sense of unity between performers and spectators, with the audience was clapping . I was very impressed. I will do my best of work today!

先日、辻井伸行&加古隆&レ・フレール出演のピアノコンサートに行った。加古さんが好きでねぇ。アンコールに3組勢揃いで黄昏のワルツを演奏した時には幸せ過ぎて卒倒しそうだった。The other day, I went to the piano concert of Nobuyuki Tsujii & Takashi Kako & Les Freres appearance. Hey I like Kako's. It was a feel faint too happy when you play a waltz of twilight in three sets in Gotham encore.

もちろん生で聴けたからというのはあるだろうけど、辻井伸行さんのラ・カンパネラはほんと別次元というか別の曲って感じ！なななラ・カンパネラってこんな強行突破だっけ！？ってビックリした。音が遊んでる。楽しそうー。辻井さん好き。 Of course it is because I was listening live, but the La Campanella of Nobuyuki Tsujii really felt like another song, I mean really another dimension!... I was surprised I. Sound was playing. Seemed really fun. Love Mr. Tsujii.

THE PIANIST@サントリーホール 3組とも素晴らしかったのだけど、やっぱりやっぱり辻井伸行さん！こんなにも綺麗で優しい音が出せるのかと。演奏から目が離せなくて、曲を聴いててこんなにも涙が溢れるのは、4年前に聴いた辻井さんぶりでした。心が洗われるってこのことだと思う。THE PIANIST @ Suntory Hall All three sets were great, but Nobuyuki Tsujii's especially! And how he put out sound that is so clean and friendly. It was hard to keep an eye on the performance, my tears were spilling so much as I was listening to the works. It was the first time since four years ago that I heard Mr. Tsujii. And I think this heart has been washed.

ｻﾝﾄﾘｰﾎｰﾙ♪にて、ｺﾝﾎﾟｰｻﾞｰﾋﾟｱﾆｽﾄ・ﾌｪｽﾃｨﾊﾞﾙ『THE PIANIST』　初めて辻井伸行さん、加古隆さんのﾋﾟｱﾉを聴かせていただきました。最後の3台のﾋﾟｱﾉ競演は圧巻でした At Suntory Hall ♪, composer pianist Festival "THE PIANIST"
Nobuyuki Tsujii's for the first time, and I got to listen to the piano of Kako Takashi. Piano jam of all three at the end was the best part.

辻井伸行/加古隆/レ・フレール / THE PIANISTコンポーザーピアニストフェスティバル★2…: http://youtu.be/6z4ZpAT8jyk 動画は去年のですが、先日（８月２９日）に行ってきました最後の４人での演奏感動。ピアノ３台並んで… 楽しい時間でした☆
Nobuyuki Tsujii / Kako Takashi / Les Freres / THE PIANIST composer pianist Festival ★
This Video is from last year, but I went to a perofrmance the other day (August 29) , and the excitement of all four playing at the end. Three pianos side by side; it was a fun time.

http://orchestra.senmasa.com/post/96495448860
Sep 3rd, 2014
心の洗濯
#オーケストラ #サントリーホール [AdverTimes（アドタイ）]
「THE PAIANIST」という３組のピアニスト（辻井伸行氏/古隆氏/レ・フレール）の演奏でした。じつはこのコンサートチケットはある企業からのご招... 開演時間が１５時から＠サントリーホール。なんとか直帰の仕事を作り、ラストの２０分ぐらいの演奏を聴くことができました。
Washing of the Mind
"THE PIANIST (Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii / Kako Takashi / Les Freres), pianists of three sets. Actually I got tickets for this concert ticket from my company ...Show started at 15:00 pm @ Suntory Hall. Because of work conflict, I wqs only able to listen to the end of the performance for about 20 minutes.

今日の演奏会は辻井伸行さんとレ・フレールとか来るんで、楽しみ
Today a concert, Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii and Les Freres, fun.

This post is very passionate but very long - I post it here with a dreadful translation that does not do the original post justice
http://mahinalea2014.jugem.jp/?eid=68
2014.09.03 Wednesday
ピアノの音色に涙…
９月に入り、１日からちょっといいことがありました。
サントリーホールで開かれている「THE PIANIST 2014」というコンサートに行きました♪
The tears in the tone of the piano ...
Enters into September, there was a nice little thing from the 1st.
I went to a concert has been held at the Suntory Hall called "THE PIANIST 2014"
第１部は辻井氏の演奏です。
彼が登場した瞬間、舞台上の＂気＂が瞬時にパッと明るくなりました。
そして、彼の演奏が始まったとたん何故か涙がほろほろと流れました。
ワクワク＆ウキウキしていた私のチャクラが瞬間的に全開になったようです。
特にハートチャクラを開かせたみたいです。
Part 1 is playing Mr. Tsujii.
The moment he appeared, "air" on the stage is now bright and package instantly.
The tears were flowing To guinea why soon as his performance began.
Chakra I was thrilled and excited seems to have fully opened momentarily.
It was like opening the heart chakra in particular.
彼の純粋なエネルギーに感情が揺さぶられたような。
私はその現象に心臓が高鳴りました。
五感を研ぎ澄まし、彼の姿と音色から感じる超感覚に集中してみたら、軽いトランス状態になってしまいました。
Emotions, such as shaken to pure energy of his.
Heart was Takanari to the phenomenon I am.
And sharpening the senses
, Why do not you concentrate on super sense of feel and tone from his appearance,
It has become a light trance.
席は、舞台サイド２階の１番前。
上から見下ろす感じがまたその雰囲気を誘いました。
（直前に飲んだワインの作用もありますね）
そのまま催眠状態に誘導され、どこか別の次元に飛びそうになり、ふっと我に返ったりして。
Seats, 1 Banmae upstairs stage side.
I was invited to the atmosphere also is feeling down from above.
(I There is also the action of the wine drinking just before)
Is induced in the hypnotic state as it is, will likely jump to another dimension somewhere, with or returned to our feet.
コンサートでそんな風になるのって初体験です。
私の魂は明らかにフワフワしてしまいました。
途中何度も意識的に自分のエネルギーを体に引き戻さなければならなかったほど。
それぐらい、辻井氏の音色は人のエネルギーを心地よい状態にしてくれるんですね。
This is the first experience and I become like that in concert.
My soul became more fluffy clearly.
As it had to be pulled back to the body the energy of his consciously many times along the way.
About it, the tone of Mr. Tsujii but I was us to a pleasant state the energy of the person
第１部の辻井氏のピアノが終わるころには、誰もが癒され、観客席が優しい光に包まれているようでした。
これは、私の感じ方が大げさなのかもしれませんが…
辻井氏がピアノを弾いている時、彼と一体になっている大天使のような大きな光の存在を感じました。
By the time the piano of Mr. Tsujii Part 1 ends, everyone is healed, it was like being wrapped in light auditorium is friendly.
This feeling person I might of exaggerated ...
When Mr. Tsujii playing the piano, I felt the presence of a large light, such as the archangel that is integral with him.
そして、弾けるように飛び交う音符とともに妖精のような天使のような…キラキラとした光の存在が彼の周辺で踊っているかのようにも感じました。
もちろん肉眼で見えたわけではありません。
And I also feel like the presence of the light like an angel, such as the fairy ... and sparkling with notes flying like bursting of what are dancing around him.
It does not looked to the naked eye, of course.
ただ…目を閉じて聞いていると、メロディによって美しい草原やらどこまでも続く海岸線やら、宇宙空間に至るまで頭の中でぐるぐるとビジョンが見えてきたんです。
辻井氏のオリジナル曲ばかり演奏されたのですが、彼は盲目であるからこそ、エネルギー全体で受け取ったビジョンからメロディを作っているのが驚くほどよくわかりました。
その創造性と芸術性は、人知を超えているものです。
If you have heard just close the ... eyes, Yara coastline to endless Yara beautiful prairie, I have a vision round and round in my head up to the space by the melody.
Original songs just Mr. Tsujii's played, but he was found surprisingly well precisely because is blind, it is making a melody from the vision that was received in the total energy.
Its artistry and creativity is what is beyond the human understanding.
私も瞑想する時、時々自分だけの草原や海辺、宇宙空間を旅します。
でも、その時感じた景色は、私のエネルギーの中にある景色とは比べものにならないほど美しいビジョンでした。
しかし、残念なことに今はその美しいビジョンはすっかり忘れてしまいました。
それはきっと辻井氏だけの持つ独特な世界だからなんでしょうね。
When I meditate, you traveled and seaside meadows, a space of your own from time to time.
But, the scenery which it felt at that time, was a beautiful vision not comparable to views that are in my energy.
However, I quickly forgot all the beautiful vision Unfortunately now.
It I guess because it is such a unique world that has only of Mr. Tsujii surely
「コンサートに来てくれた人には、演奏中にだけちょっぴり僕の世界を見せてあげるよ…」と辻井氏の守護天使が見せてくれたみたいな感じです（笑）。
I feel guardian angel of Mr. Tsujii like I showed me "The people who came to the concert, and ... I'll show the world my little only during the performance," said (laughs).
....
そして、最後の連奏では、舞台上で３組のピアニストがそれぞれ３台のピアノを奏でます。
Then, in the last-act, pianist of the three sets is playing the piano three each on stage.

偶然、私のすぐ目の前に辻井氏のピアノが。
ラスト曲では、幻想的な加古氏の曲を３組で演奏したのですが、またまた涙が…
もう酔いは抜けており、今度は心の底から＂愛＂や＂やすらぎ＂を感じました。
泣きながら、何だか思わず神様に深く感謝したりしました。
Coincidentally, the piano of Mr. Tsujii right in front of me.
In the last song, I was playing with three sets of songs Kako's fantastic, but once again tears ...
Good has come out anymore, I felt or "love" from the bottom of my heart the "peace" now.
Crying, we can deeply grateful to God somehow instinctively.

最後はみんなブラボーという歓声とスタンディングオベーション！
こんなエピソードがあるそうです。
辻井氏がホームステイしていたお宅での話。
ピアノの音で近所から苦情が出るどころか、「どうかお願いだから辻井氏が練習するときだけは窓を開けてくれ…」と言われたそうです。
Standing ovation and cheers that everyone Bravo last!
This episode is so certain.
Story of a nerd that Mr. Tsujii had homestay.
Complaints rather than out of the neighborhood in the sound of the piano,
It seems to have said, "only when Mr. Tsujii to practice Come on whether me open the window ...," he said.
また、飼い犬が彼がピアノを弾きだすとずっとピアノの下から離れなかったそうです。
ホームステイが終わり、辻井氏がいなくなるとその家の犬は元気がなくなり、仕方ないので毎日辻井氏のＣＤをかけているんだとか。
辻井氏のコンサートに行けば、またはＣＤを聴けば、間違いなくヒーリングされます。
Moreover, it is not so far from the bottom of the piano much as he begins to play the piano dog.
Homestay is the end,
Genki is no longer dog of the house and no longer have Mr. Tsujii,
The Toka'm over a CD of Mr. Tsujii every day because I have no choice.
If you go to a concert of Mr. Tsujii, or if you listen to the CD, it is definitely healing.
もし、今後周りの人が誰か入院したら、迷わず辻井氏のＣＤをお見舞いに持っていきます。
あぁ～また聴きに行きた～い♪
今回、天から降ってきたようにチケットが舞い込んできて、思わずこんな素晴らしいひと時を過ごすことができました。
友達に感謝です。
とりあえず、ＣＤ買おう…っと！！
If, people around when someone was hospitalized future, we will have the sympathy of the CD Mr. Tsujii without hesitation.
♪ ~ not it was going to listen also ~ Ah
This time, it was possible the ticket came in microcomputer to have been down from heaven, to spend such a great time involuntarily.
It is thanks to my friend.
Anyway, ... will buy CD
--------

September 2 postings

Suntory Hall encore list , September 2

2014年9月2日(火) ＜大ホール＞辻井伸行、加古隆、レ・フレール　THE PIANIST！　コンポーザーピアニスト・フェスティバル 2014
辻井伸行：それでも、生きてゆく
リスト：ラ･カンパネラ
加古隆：『蜩の記』から「秋谷のテーマ」
斎藤圭土：Boogie Back to YOKOSUKA
レ・フレール：Boogie Woogie Impro.
加古隆：黄昏のワルツ
Nobu played "Still we live on" and Liszt's "La Campanella"

http://ameblo.jp/hiko-hikonyan/archive1-201409.html
2014年09月02日

久しぶりの晴れだね。
今日は午後から、辻井伸行クン出演のピアノコンサート行ってきます♪
チョ~楽しみ*\(^o^)/*
It's sunny after a long time.
In the afternoon today, I am going to a Piano concert in which Tsujii Nobuyuki Kun will appeared. Should be fun.

午後３時から辻井伸行、加古隆、レ・フレールのコンサート。平日午後のサントリーホールにこんなに人が集まれるんだな… って自分もか Concert of Nobuyuki Tsujii, Takashi Kako, Les Freres starting 15:00. People gathered in Suntory Hall in the afternoon on weekdays, including myself ...

http://p.twipple.jp/8KcG2わず。まさか、辻井伸行とレ・フレールの連弾を聴けるとはお思わないかったし、最後のピアノ3台でのコラボが素晴らしかった。そして、帰りにル・プティ・マルシェで食べた『子羊背肉のココット焼き』がとても美味しくて幸せな一日でした( No way, I didn't think I would ever listen to the duet of Nobuyuki Tsujii and Les Freres and Nobuyuki Tsujii, and the collaboration in three pianos last was great. And, "lamb loin" which I ate at Le Petit Marche on the way back was very delicious. A happy day.

明日は辻井伸行さんの演奏聴きにいくよ⁽⁽ ◟(∗ ˊωˋ ∗)◞ ⁾⁾ Going to hear Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii perform tomorrow.

今日はコンポーザーピアニストフェスティバルに行ってきました。辻井伸行さん、加古隆さん、レ・フレールのキラキラした音を聴き、心が豊かになりました。素晴らしい１日でした I went to composer pianist Festival today.
Listened to the sparkling sound of Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii, Takashi Kako, and Les Freres, Mind is now rich. It was a fantastic day
--------

September 1 postings

THE PIANIST/サントリーホール辻井伸行さん、加古隆さん、レ・フレール 3組共、違う魅力があり、贅沢な時間を過ごせた(^^) アンコールの辻井さんとレ・フレールの連弾すばらしい！来て良かった〜！ #piano pic.twitter.com/1SFaLH4uGp THE PIANIST / Suntory Hall. Nobuyuki Tsujii, Takashi Kako, Les Freres in three sets, each has a different charm; great duet of Mr.Tsujii and Les Freres in encore!; was able to spend a luxury of time - Glad to have come! #

9/1 encore list posted by Suntory Haoo
2014年9月1日(月) ＜大ホール＞辻井伸行、加古隆、レ・フレール　THE PIANIST！　コンポーザーピアニスト・フェスティバル 2014 　

辻井伸行	：それでも、生きてゆく

ショパン

：革命

加古隆	：『蜩の記』から「秋谷のテーマ」

斎藤圭土	：Boogie Back to YOKOSUKA

レ・フレール

：Boogie Woogie Impro.

加古隆

：黄昏のワルツ

Nobu played "Still we live on" and Chopin's Revolutionary etude.

ザ・ピアニストめっちゃ良かった！辻井伸行さんは面白いしめっちゃ上手いし曲もすごい良かった！加古隆さんは表現すごくて感動した！レ・フレールの二人の連弾はとにかくすごい！新しい世界でめっちゃ楽しかった！とにかく楽しめたしピアノの楽しさを感じた(^^) These are one hella good pianists! Nobuyuki Tsujii isinteresting and his songs are amazing Kako Takashi was impressed with his expressiveness! Duet of two of Les Freres is always great ! It was really fun in the new world!
I felt the joy of piano and enjoyed it.

【サントリーホールより】ラストの辻井伸行さん加古隆さんレ・フレールのコラボは、めっちゃ興奮しました。明日行かれる方いるのでネタバレしませんが、加古さんレ・フルールの新曲良かったです！音楽の神様ありがとう！ #ピアノ Suntory Hall collaboration concert of Nobuyuki Tsujii Kako Takash and Les Freres, was really exciting. I hope this is not a spoiler for those going tomorrow, but the news songs of Kakao and Les Freres a were good! Thank God for music!

日付変わって今日は"サントリーホール"で行われる辻井伸行さん加古隆さんレ・フレールが出演する『THE PIANIST』聴きに行きます。
PS 9.7の演奏に向け今週は自分との闘いになりそうピアノパッション☆ A change of date to appear means that I will go to "THE PIANIST" to listen to Tsujii Nobuyuki' Kako Takashi and Les Freress. There will be a duel of piano passion against the performance of the PS 9.7
---------------------------------------------------------------------
August 30 Saturday 17:00 The sixth performance of THE PIANIST festival takes place in 愛知県芸術劇場コンサートホールAchi Arts Center Concert Hall (1800 seats) in Nagoya

Achi Arts Center in Nagoya, image via Internet link

The Pianistコンポーザーピアニストフェスティバル★2014 辻井伸行の La Campanella 加古隆の白い巨塔レ・フレールの SAMURAI… http://instagram.com/p/sUlE95AASc/ The PianistcomposerpianistFestival★ 2014
La CampanellaofNobuyuki Tsujii
White TowerofKakoTakashi
SAMURAILesFreres

image via Internet link

昨夜の演奏会で配られたチラシ。クラシックに混じって、映画が2枚。何でかな？の疑問は演奏会中に解決♪『蜩の記』は加古隆さんが『マエストロ』は辻井伸行くんが音楽に携わってるとのこと。初公開で演奏も有ったよ～♪ http://p.twipple.jp/sMEjV Flyers that were distributed in the concert last night.
Two movies were mixed with the classic, and I was wondering why?
Question was resolved during concert. Mr. Kako Takashi is involved in music for "key of Higurashi" and Nobuyuki Tsujii kun for "Maestro" . They were unveiling them in public for the first time.

辻井伸行よかったわー… 今度は辻井伸行のソロのコンサートに行きたいな Nobuyuki Tsujii was good. Now I want to go to a concert of solo Nobuyuki Tsujii.

辻井伸行くんのピアノ、感動したなー。生で聴くことができて、今日ほんっと幸せだった♡（；＿；）もちろん、加古隆さんと、レ•フレールの演奏にもすっごく感動した♡ I was impressed with the piano of Nobuyuki Tsujii-kun. Listening to it live made me really happy today. Of course I was also impressed with Mr. Takashi Kako and Les Freres

親のせいで辻井伸行とレフレールの6手連弾聞き逃したんだぞ…そりゃ怒りたくもなるだろ… Parents blame me for missing hearing the 6-hand duet of Nobuyuki Tsujii and the Brothers ... this is going to cause more anger.

本日はコンポーザーピアニストフェスティバル★2014へ。優しい中にも芯のある演奏の辻井伸行さん。繊細かつ上品な音色を奏でてくれた加古隆さん。遊び心満載のレ・フレールのお二人のパフォーマンス。三者三様のステージは、かなり聴き応えがあった。アンコールも本当に素晴らしかった。Today the composer pianist Festival ★ 2014 ty. The friendly performance of Nobuyuki Tsujii's. Takashi Kako, who played with a sound elegant and delicate. And the playful performance of the duo Les Freres. Three sets and three piano on stage. It was good listening. The encores were also really great.

本日のTHE PIANIST、めさ良かったです。最初は辻井伸行さん。神様のカルテなどのオリジナル曲もよかったんだけど、アンコール2曲目のリストのラ・カンパネラが本当に素晴らしく久々に震えた。ピアノは全くわからんのだが永遠に続きそうな旋律と激しいのに全く痛くない音質に感動。 THE PIANIST concert of today, It was good to see. First up was Nobuyuki Tsujii. Original songs such as Kamisamanokarute were very good. The second encore, Liszt's La Campanella, was really nice and left me trembling for a long time. I do not know much about the sound quality of the piano, but it did not matter; I wanted the intense melody to last forever

辻井伸行君、加古隆さん、レ・フレールの豪華3組のコンサート。まさにタイトル通り、THE PIANISTだった〜！それぞれのアーティストが自分たちの世界観を出していて、素晴らしかったよ。最後にはコラボ。これもまた…٩̋(๑˃́ꇴ˂̀๑) Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii, Mr. Kako Takashi , Les Freres gave us a concert of luxury three sets. As the title says exactly, it was about THE PIANIST!
Each artist brought out the world of their own; it was great. Also the collaboration in the end was great.

丹羽佑樹 [ whose Twitter profile mentions Les Frères] tweeted:
やっぱ辻井伸行凄いな
他の動画と辻井伸行比較してみると差がありすぎるww
Nobuyuki Tsujii is really amazing. It is so different from watching his videos.

http://blogs.yahoo.co.jp/purplekiyoaki/38756368.html
2014/8/30

昨日は、　T塾メンバー４人+ご友人の５人で、アクロスシンフォニーホールでの、
≪THE PIANIST コンポーザーピアニストフェスティバル★2014≫　に行って来ました。
http://avex.jp/thepianist2014/
辻井伸行　　・　　加古隆　　・　レ・フルール　による　ピアノ競演です。
もう、メッチャ良かった！！
開演ギリギリまで、加古隆のピアノ調整が続いていました。
３者違ったピアノでの競演は、何とも、豊かで贅沢なひと時を与えてくれました。
まずは、辻井伸行

　*神様のカルテ　　http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Rtz3AolS6I

　*はやぶさ　遙かなる帰還　　*マエストロ　
　*パガニーニの主題による狂詩曲　第１８番（作曲　ラフマニノフ　編曲　辻井伸行）

アンコール・・・　*コルトナの朝　　　*それでも生きて行く（大震災に寄せて作られた曲）
　*リスト　カンパネラ

辻井君は、今まで何度もアクロスでコンサートがありましたが、CDは持っていても
どういう訳か、聴きに行きたいとは思わなかった。

昨日は、ピアノ鍵盤を描いた　サスペンダーに、グランドピアノをイメージしたシャツで登場。
もちろん、介助付きでピアノのところまで出ていらっしゃいました。

聴き終えて、辻井君の心根の温かさ・優しさを一番に感じました。
技術的な事は、何も分かりませんが、アンコールの　　カンパネラ　は
辻井君の新しい面を出していると思った。
（カンパネラは、フジコヘミングがやっぱり好きです）

それと、目が見えない分、身体表現が豊か。
手先を振って、満足状態を表していらっしゃるのでしょう。
その表現が、とても愛らしく、愛される人の感じを持ちました。
...
フィナーレ　　レ・フルール　+　辻井伸行
　*Boogie　Woogie（即興曲）

　レ・フルールがまず弾いて、辻井君を連れて出てきた。
　辻井君も二人の間に立って、３人で１台のピアノで演奏。　
辻井君も乗って・乗って・身体を動かし、会場から、やんや喝采と大拍手！！
楽しい～～～！！
ついに、今度は加古隆も登場。
加古隆　+　辻井伸行　+　レ・フルール
　*黄金のワルツ　　　https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYoowI8YV9c

　加古隆が中央のピアノ、右のピアノ　辻井伸行、左のピアノ　レ・フルール
での　３者による３台のピアノ競演。

まず、加古隆が　黄金のワルツを弾きだすと、辻井君が伴奏。
大拍手！　加えて、レ・フルールが、デュオで参加。

圧巻！
何とも贅沢で豊かなひと時！！
会場は、大興奮に包まれ、いつまでも拍手鳴りやまず、
心地良い興奮に包まれて、帰路につきました。
...
よいひと時でした。

チケットは、早い時点で売り切れ、もちろんアクロスシンフォニーホール満員でした。
...
Yesterday, five of us went to the Acros Symphony Hall, for «THE PIANIST composer pianist Festival ★ 2014».
It is a piano jam by Nobuyuki Tsujii, Kako Takashi and Les Fleurs. The piano of Kako Takashi was being tuned until just before the curtain rises.
Three sets at the pianos. It was a luxuriously rich time.

First, Nobuyuki Tsujii
* God's Medical Chart https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3Rtz3AolS6I
* Returna of the Hayabusa
* Maestro
* On a Theme of Paganini Rhapsody No. No. 18 (composer Rachmaninov arranged by Nobuyuki Tsujii)
Encores:
Still we live on
Cortona
La Campanella by Liszt

Mr. Tsujii has performed in the Arcos Cener many times, and although I have a CD of his, I somehow never thought I wanted to go to listen.
Yesterday, he appeared in a shirt with the image of a grand piano, wearing suspenders representing a piano keyboard, and of course he needed assistance to be brought out.
When I have finished listening, I felt very much in my heart the kindness and warmth of Mr. Tsujii. I don't know anything about techniques, but the Campanella in the encore I thought gave me a new appreciation of Mr. Tsujii (I also like the Campanella of Fujiko Hemming.
Even though he cannot see with his eyes, his body expression is rich.
His waved his hand, giving an impression that he was feeling satisfied with his performance.
The image is very lovely - it gave the feeling of a person to be loved.
...
Finale Les Freres + Nobuyuki Tsujii
* Boogie Woogie (Impromptu)
The brothers were playing first, then came out with Mr. Tsujii.
Mr. Tsujii was standing between the two,
All three people playing on one piano.
Mr. Tsujii was also moving his body up and down.
From the floor, the audience clapped and cheered!
Fun!
Finally, Takashi Kako also appeared.
Kako Takashi + Nobuyuki Tsujii+ Les Fleurs
* golden Waltz https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYoowI8YV9c
Kako Takashi piano in the middle,
Piano of Nobuyuki Tsujii on the right,
Piano of Les Freres left
Three pianos and three parties.
Kako Takashi started first.
When he began to play the golden waltz,
Mr. Tsujii accomapnied.
Large applause!
In addition, the Brothers participaed in the duo.
The best part!
Moments of rich luxury beyond anything! !
We were wrapped in excitement; the venue was ringing with applause like mountains that last forever.
It was pleasant to be surrounded by excitement on the return journey.
It was a good time.
Tickets sold out quickly; Arcos Symphony Hall was packed, of course.
...
http://blog.goo.ne.jp/mikawinny/e/c9cae13448fbe62e427581f6de06f58f
8/30 THE PIANIST コンポーザーピアニストフェスティバル・2014
愛知県芸術劇場コンサートホールにて
辻井伸行
加古隆
レ・フレール
国際的に活躍している3組が一堂に集っての競演
ステージには既に3台のピアノが設えてあります
加古隆さん目当てでしたが
辻井さん、レ・フレールのお二人
其々のピアノを堪能させて頂きました
第一部　辻井伸行　スタインウェイ
正直なところ
辻井さんはコンポーザーよりピアニストだと思います
人間性がピアノに現れているように感じました
よく通る声でユーモアを交えたトークもとても微笑ましかったです
3曲目で披露されたのが2015年公開の映画「マエストロ」のエンディングテーマです
2度目のアンコール曲、ラ・カンパネラで辻井さんの実力を見ました！
第二部　加古隆　ベーゼンドルファー
安定感があります
音に柔らかさがあります
アンコール曲は映画「蜩の記」より
『映画、観て下さいね』　勿論、観ます！
『アルバムもどうぞ』　　勿論、買います！
『11/24、しらかわホールでソロコンサートをやります』　勿論、行きます！
第三部　レ・フレール　ベーゼンドルファー
上原ひろみほどではありませんが
元気いっぱいですね～
観客を巻き込むパフォーマンスが彼らの演奏スタイルのようです
ノリノリで楽しかった♪
辻井伸行＆レ・フレールによる
Boogie　Woogie　（名古屋？）即興曲
辻井さんはやはりピアニストです
3人とも立っての演奏
感動ものでした
加古さんもパリ時代にはジャズバンドで活躍されていたので参加できるとは思いましたが
今回は若手に任せた、といったところでしょうか
最後はピアノ3台6手(時々8手になっていた）による
黄昏のワルツ
加古さんは辻井さん、レ・フレールは加古さんの背中を見ながらの演奏
伊達にピアノで稼いでるんじゃないゾ！
ワンダフル！
エクセレント！
このコンサートに来て良かった！と観客全員が思ったのではないでしょうか
ホールは満席
中学生以下の子供さんも目立ちました
彼、彼女らの中から将来世界で活躍するピアニストが育つといいな
今回は息子と出かけました
昨日まで2週間台湾出張だったので疲れていたでしょうが付き合ってくれたお礼に
ちょっと贅沢なディナーをご馳走して帰宅しました
(*^^)v

8/30 THE PIANIST composer pianist Festival 2014
At Aichi Prefectural Art Theater Concert Hall
Nobuyuki Tsujii
Takashi Kako
Les Freres
Three sets of internationally active artists gathered in one place
Three pianos were furnished on stage.
I was able to enjoy the piano of Kako Takashi, Mr. Tsujii, and the Les Freres duo.
First part Nobuyuki Tsujii on the Steinway
Honestly, I think Mr. Tsujii is more a pianist than composer
I felt his human nature appears in the piano
His talk with humor in a friiendly voice about a theme music for the ending of the movie "Maestro" was showcased in the third song
I saw the power of Tsujii in the second encore, the La Campanella!

Second part Kako Takashi on a Bösendorfer
...

Nobuyuki Tsujii & Les Freres
Boogie Woogie (Nagoya?) Impromptu
Mr. Tsujii is a pianist after all
They all three played standing
Ver impressive.
I thought although Mr Kako played in a jazz band while he was active in Paris, he had left the stageto the young onces this time.
But he returned to play "Waltz of Twilight" with the others in six (sometimes 8) hands.
...
Wonderful!
Excellent!
I was glad I came to this concert! I think the entire audience thought so.

The hall was sold out. There were noticeably large number of junior high students. I hope they will grow up to become pianist active in the future.

I went out with my son this time
I should have been tired because I just returned from two weeks of business trip in Taiwan yesterday, but I was glad to be tweeted to this and a little luxury dinner
(* ^^) V

特に、辻井伸行さんのピアノは
冗談ではなく、神の演奏でした。
彼がラ･カンパネラを弾き終えたとき、
みんな涙流してたのが印象的でした。
この何百文字の場では言い表せない！
In particular, piano of Nobuyuki Tsujii
I am not joking, it was the playing of God.
When he finished playing the La Campanella,
everyone was impressed and had shed tears.
It cannot be described in hundreds of characters on the fly!

http://kimidorinoki.jugem.jp/?day=20140830
2014.08.30 Saturday
念願かなったピアノコンサート
フンガーッ！！！！！！！鼻息荒いです！！！！
行ってまいりました。ピアノコンサート。辻井伸行さんのピアノは生で一度は聴いてみたかった。「行こう！！」と何度も思い立ちましたが、そのたび完売・・・。
ものすごい人気です。
今回やっと手に入り、ウキウキしながら行ってきました。
「コンポーザーピアニストフェスティバル☆２０１４」
辻井伸行さんだけでなく、加古隆さん、それからレ・フレールの３組のピアニストが奏でるという贅沢な企画です。
彼らが奏でるその音色に魅せられ、惹かれ、ときめき、感動の波が何度もおそってきて胸がいっぱい。感動しすぎて涙がこみ上げてきます。

うまく表現できないけど、もともと私は単純なのか、感受性が強すぎるのか、絵や音楽といったものがすんなりと自分のなかに入ってきやすい。
ピアノの音色がすんなりとわたしのなかに入ってきて、交じり合うような、溶け合うような感じになります。
音とわたしが一体化するような感覚です。この状態になったら、自分の本質を自分で感じることができます。間違いなく私である「証」に触れ、共鳴しあうのです。この状態になるのは、簡単そうですごく難しい。普段は奥底に隠れていて、簡単には触れられない。ものすごく無垢な部分なのかなと思ったりします。

　こころの在り様の核の部分なんだろうけど、すぐにそこにアクセスできないのは複雑な感情がじゃまするのでしょう。感情は生きるために必要だけど、時にこの部分に触れたいときにじゃまするんだと思います。この状態になると、後になってよくそんなふうに考えてみたりします。

　今回はものすごくクリアに感じることができたので、私は音そのものになり、音はわたしと共鳴しあうという、ものすごく心地の良い状態になり、しばらくピュアな私でいれることができました。一瞬だけでもフラットな状態に戻してくれる力があるのでしょうね。音楽の力ってすごいなぁと改めて感じた１日でした。

Piano concert of my desire.
...
I went. Piano concert. I wanted to listen live once the piano of Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii. Many times we said "Let's go to that!", but it was sold out every time. His popularity is tremendous. I finally got lucky this time, and I went in exhilaration.
"Composer pianist Festival ☆ 2014"
Not only Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii,Takashi Kako, and Les Freres
It is a luxury program of three sets of pianists.
I was fascinated by the sound that they plaedy,
Attracted,
Crushed,
Waves of excitement many times.
Tears welled because I was so impressed
And I can not express well,
...
It was a day that I felt again the great power of music.

http://blog.goo.ne.jp/0720micchan/e/f6c7f09b4fbb55ac140dc978d609f4be
2014-09-02
辻井伸行さんエネルギシュでパワフルコンサート
先日コンサートにいきました。
THE　PIANISISTコンポーザーピアニストフェスティバル★2014です。
自分の作曲した曲を演奏するピアニストたちのコンサートです。
私もおめあてはもちろん辻井伸行さんです。

それぞれの方の演奏が個性がある。。加古隆さんはジャズのような個性的な
レ・フレールは兄弟で連弾
まるで曲芸のようにピアノの上を手が4本、踊り狂うのです。
オペラグラスでしっかり見ました。
でもいつも思う。
辻井さんの演奏は、実にやわらかいすんだ心地よい音で、体がないかを感じます。
いつしか感動で涙が出てきます。
辻井さんのピアノの演奏方法はいまヨーロッパでは主流となってきてる自然奏法です。
あの巨匠ホロウイッツもそうでした。
アンコール曲の辻井さんの「ラ・カンパネーラ」
2013.10月BBCのプロムでみな立ち上がっています
このものより力強く早かった
今まで聞いた中で最速です。
今彼は体力技術ともに最高でパワーを感じるものでした。
のびのびと楽しんで聞いて頂戴と呼びかけられてるようでした。・
そして、加古さんの演奏の後、レ・フルールが曲芸のようなパワフルに演奏した後、
辻井さんが出てきて即興で演奏
ええ！！
いやレフルールの二人と三人での連弾です。
実に楽しそうに！！
クラッシックは楽譜どおりに正確に弾かなければなりませんが、これには大喜び
もうめったに見られないその演奏にみな大喜び！！
お客様ものりのりで。
クラッシクの演奏会で初めてのスタンディングオベイを体験しました。
最後、3人が合奏のような感じに弾き競うのです。
そしてお客も手拍子で参加
ウイーンフィルのニューイヤズコンサートでも手拍子で参加しますよね
とっても楽しいコンサートでした。
辻井さんの新しい面を見た感じがしました。
彼は更なる飛躍の上にあるんですね
こんなコンサートもいいよな。
もしきかいがあったらみみにしてみてね
コンサートホールを出ると前には名古屋のテレビ塔が印象的に輝いてました。
今日初めてつくつくぼうしが鳴いてました。
いよいよ秋ですね
よんでくださってありがとう、

Powerful energetic concert of Nobuyuki Tsujii
I went to a concert the other day.
THE PIANISIST composer pianist Festival ★ 2014.
It is a concert in which pianists play the songs composed by themselves. And of course I was there to see Nobuyuki Tsujii.
There is apersonality of each person. . Takashi Kako's unique, such as the jazz; the brothers' four hands danced all over the piano like acrobatics. I saw them through opera glasses.
Playing of Tsujii, I feel a pleasant sound clear soft indeed. Tears came out in excitement unawares.
The natural playing of Tsujii has become mainstream in Europe now.
That maestro Horouittsu also was true.
Tsujii's encore "La Campanella" seems stronger than even his performance at the BBC Proms in May 2013.
He seems to be now at the height of his physical fitness and power.
I really enjoyed hearing what he gave so freely.
Then, after the playing of Kako, after the powerful acrobatic playing of the Les Freres, Mr. Tsujii came out for an improvisation.
Yeah! !
It is a duet in three people with the Brothers.
Merrily indeed! !
Unlike in classical music where the playing must follow the score exactly.
This was delightful.
Everyone seems to play with joy, something rarely seen!
Customers were also high spirits.
I previously experienced standing ovation at a classic concert.
Finally with three people jamming on stage,
The customers also participate by clapping,
everyone join in the claipping like at a New Year concert of the Vienna Philharmonic
It was a fun concert.
I feel that we are now looking at a new face of Tsujii.
He has climb to the top of a even higher peak.
He was very good in this concert.
I will try to hear him again if there is any opportunity.
Nagoya TV Tower shoned impressively before I left the concert hall.
Tsukutsukuboshi had singing for the first time today.
It is finally fall.

---------------------------------------
August 30
We have a special report from our friend Miyuki, who was at the Fukuoka PIANIST performance:

It was raining pretty heavily when I got to Fukuoka but the rain had stopped by the evening. ... The reaction of the Fukuoka audience was really great. I loved it!

They gave warm applause to each pianist, but they reacted wildly when the brothers brought Nobu back to the stage at the end of their performance. Nobu sat down on the bench first and started playing the boogie-woogie style music, then the brothers joined him and Nobu got up and continued playing. It was such a fun performance and the audience seemed to love it. And then one of the brothers went backstage and brought Mr. Kako to the stage and the audience reacted wildly again. They all played “黄昏のワルツ” Waltz at Sunset (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qYoowI8YV9c)

together on three pianos. Nobu added very beautiful “grace notes” with the high key notes and it sounded almost like an angel was playing those notes. The audience cheered so wildly after that and they didn’t stop clapping. It was really touching to see the four pianists holding hands and bowing together.

It’s hard for me to describe what I felt during this concert, but I can definitely say it was worth travelling (far) for it. Both Mr. Kako and the two brothers are good pianists, but hearing and watching Nobu along with them made me realize once again how special he is. I really wish that we all could have been at this concert together.

... Nobu looked healthy and trimmed and he also looked really cute in a “color block” style dress shirt and a suspender with stripes that are similar to the ones on this product

... And it was Mr. Asano who was escorting Nobu on stage. Mr. A was wearing a black suit (which matched Nobu’s pants) and they both looked so neat.

It also seems that Nobu performed exact same works as in Sapporo...
I think Nobu’s Paganini arrangement was different from what we heard on the Swiss show. But it was so beautiful! I also want to tell you that they were selling that polo shirt with Nobu’s signature at the concert hall, but they only had 30 of them and they were all sold out when I went back to the shop after the concert was over...

[and she added this about the "Maestro" theme music at my inquiry:} I don’t remember the details of that work since I heard so many other compositions of Nobu and other pianists at the same time. But I remember the music sounded like the mixture of happiness and sadness and it was a little more complicated than the one from the “God’s Chart”. I think I liked it so I’d like to hear it again soon.

----------------------------------------
August 29 Friday 18:30 Fifth performance
The fifth performance of THE PIANIST festival takes place in the 福岡シンフォニーホール Fukoka Arcos Theater (1,867 seats). I was in this fine theater last September when I visited Japan and have fond memories of it. Our friend Miyuki will be at this evening's performance, much to my envy! But we can look forward to hearing from her after the concert.

福岡シンフォニーホール Fukoka Arcos Theater

It looks like Nobu played the exact same works as in the previous performances, according to this photo posted to Twitter:

image via Internet link

金曜夜はこれ　辻井伸行、加古隆、レ・フレール ⇒https://www.acros.or.jp/r_event/event_detail.php?event_id=6586… 福岡シンフフォニーホール　楽しみです！！ This Friday evening Nobuyuki Tsujii, Takashi Kako, Les Frères Friday night - Fukuoka Sinfonia Hall - fun!

おはようございます(^O^)
今日も雨(^_^;)
1日仕事を頑張ったら、
同僚と辻井伸行さんの演奏会に行ってきます♪。.:＊・゜
癒されてこよ(*^^*)
今日もよろしくね
Good morning(^ O ^)
Raintoday(^_^);
After working hard all day, I will be going with colleagues to a concertofMr.Nobuyuki Tsujii
To be healed(*^ ^*)
Say hello to today.

THE PIANIST ランチタイム   [blog post by staff of pianist Kako]
2014/08/29
ツアーのスタッフ曰く、最近流行っているんですよねぇ、こういう鮨屋、と言ってましたが、ホントに他の空港にもあるんですか？
昨日新潟、今日は「アクロス福岡」、そして明日は名古屋、強行軍です。ホテルに着いたらラーメン屋に行く！と張り切っていたのですが、どしゃ降りの雨でしたので、やむなくホテル内のレストランでランチということに。
エレベーターホールでばったり辻井伸行さんの一行と一緒になり、同じレストランに行きました。
他のアーティストさんとご一緒なんて、ドキドキします！
レストランに着くと、レ・フレールさんのご一行もお食事中。テーブルが別で良かった、、、もしも同じテーブルだったら、、ナイフとフォークを逆に持ってしまいそうな緊張性(?)の私です。
さて海外のコンサートも多い辻井さんと、空港でのlost luggageの経験談が話題になったりしました。ドイツを回っていたときに、そういう大変な事があったそうです。あとは体調管理の為でもあり楽しみの一つ、水泳のお話。クロールと平泳ぎで2時間も泳ぐそうです。背泳ぎに挑戦していないのもKAKOさんと同じですが、泳ぐ時間はかなり長いですねえ。
夕刻には雨は上がったようです。福岡公演は地元の気質と相まって、きっと華やかなカーテンコールが待っていることでしょう。
開場前のステージで、KAKOさんの調律師さんがピアノを時間ギリギリまで微調整していました。
...
The PIANIST Lunch Time
... Niigata yesterday, today the "ACROS Fukuoka", And Nagoya tomorrow. It is a forced march.
We arrived at the hotel and was hoping to go to a ramen shop.   It was pouring rain and we reluctantly decided to have lunch at the restaurant in the hotel.   We ran into the party of Nobuyuki Tsujii in the hall waiting for the elevator; they were going to the same restaurant. Eating with other artists - my heart was pounding!!
When we arrived at the restaurant, the party of Les Freres was also dining.   It was a good thing that they had a separate table, otherwise I might have my used my knife for my fork.
Well, around the table the talk turned to the experience of Mr.Tsujii's many concerts overseas, with "lost luggage" at the airport . When we were in Germany, we also had that kind of experience.    Interesting talk of swimming as a health management for relaxation. We were told that [Nobu] swims for two hours in breaststroke and crawl.   Mr. KAKO's backstroke is not as challenging, but he also swims for a fairly long time.
The rain seems to have eased up in the evening. The Fukuoka performance was a hometown atmosphere; gorgeous curtain calls were surely waiting. On stage before the start of the concert, the tuner fine-tuned the piano of KAKO until the last minute...

image via Internet link

辻井伸行氏、音の綺麗さが尋常じゃない。久々聴いた無垢で純粋なキラキラ感。勿論、神様のカルテのテーマも。その演奏を聴いて私が思い浮かぶのは冬～春の松本の情景。映画の世界に浸れて幸せでした♪ pic.twitter.com/vipwwAhaMl Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii, The beauty of his sound is extraordinary. Pure sparkling sense of innocence that I have not heard a long time. Of course, listening to tthe theme of [movie] Kamisamanokarute brought to mind scenesof winter-spring in Matsumoto. I was happy to indulge in the world of movie.

辻井伸行さんや、レ・フレールの演奏、すごく感動した󾭠󾭠󾭠 たまには生の音楽を聴くのもいいかもっピアノってあんな音出るんやって感じ！プロの音をバイト代もらって聴くことができてなんとも贅沢な一日やったな Performance of Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii and Les Freres -- I was very impressed. It's good to listen to live music once in a while! I listened to professional sound that was indescribbly luxurious.

めっちゃよかった辻井伸行さん。Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii WAS truly good

今夜は演奏会(ってかLIVEだな）終わりでお茶♪ぃゃ、かなり盛り上がって疲れたのだ。なんせ帰路も自ら運転せねばならんからな(笑)んで、演奏会はピアノオンリーで、アノ辻井伸行くんもいたのだ！レフレールが盛り上げ捲って、楽しかったー！ concert tonight, with tea at the end. I was tired and excited and needs to be prepared to drive back. Concert was on piano only. Nobuyuki Tsujii-kun was there! The Brothers were a riot. It was fun.

辻井伸行さん、加古隆さん、レフレールさんのコンサートに行ってきました。音色が、空間が、輝いていて素晴らしかったです。 Went to a concert of Nobuyuki Tsujii, Takashi Kako and the Les Freres. Tone; space; sparkling and great.

http://chro1.jugem.jp/?eid=491
[memo] 辻加古兄弟
Posted by クロシベ on 2014.08.30 Saturday
『THE PIANIST～コンポーザーピアニストフェスティバル★2014』に行ってきたー。
演者は、
辻井伸行、加古隆、レ・フレールの豪華な3組だぜ!!
舞台に据えられたピアノフォルテ3台の艶々ブラックが光るぜ。
ツアータイトル通り、
各々が自作曲を披露する3部構成、それぞれの個性が全体に光るぜ。
ラストは、3組一緒にぶちかませスペシャルだぜ、ウヒョーイ。
何かもう良いもの聴いたぜ、ヒャホーイ!!
[memo] Tsuji, Kako, brothers
Posted by Kuroshibe on 2014.08.30 Saturday
I went to "THE PIANIST ~ composer-pianist Festival ★ 2014".
Three gorgeous sets performed by Nobuyuki Tsujii, Takashi Kako, Les Freres.
Three glossy black pianos were sitting on the stage, shinning.
There were three parts, each of which show off the artist's own songs,
Individuality shines in every one of them.
And in the end all three pianos were played together.
It was really something else!

image via Internet link

昨日はコンポーザーピアニストで辻井伸行、加古隆、レ・フレール出演の超豪華演奏会を堪能。アンコールでは4人合わせた演奏もあって素晴らしすぎた…。あの感動を表す語彙が欲しいよ！Yesterday in the the composer pianist concert, Nobuyuki Ysujii, and Takashi Kako, Les Freres performed.   It was an ultra-luxurious concert. At the end all four came back to perform an encore ... I don't have the vocabulary to describe the excitement! -tweet

すばらしいピアノの響きよい楽曲よい演奏 http://avex.jp/thepianist2014/
FUJITECpresentsTHE PIANISTコンポーザーピアニストフェスティバル2014辻井伸行さんのピアノは一音一音がすごく明るい聴く人を幸せな気持ちにさせる響きPlaying good music good sound on great pianos THE PIANIST composer pianist Festival 2014 Nobuyuki Tsujii's bring piano sound, one note one note -- it brings joy to people who listen   -tweet

http://ameblo.jp/npoacl/entry-11916289162.html
コンポーザピアニストフェスティバル
2014-08-29
昨日はピアノコンサートに行ってきました。
”THE PIACNIST コンポーザピアニストフェスティバル★2014”
辻井伸行　　加古隆　　レ・フレール　
国際的に活躍している３組のピアニストの競演という豪華なコンサートです。
ステージ上には「スタインウェイ」１台、「ベーゼンドルファー」２台
計３台のピアノが、ドン、ドン、ドンと設置されたステージ
それぞれが作曲したオリジナル曲を熱演してくれました。
辻井さんの演奏はとてもピュアで
清々しさや切なさや、情景が伝わってくる演奏で、涙がにじんできました。
楽しみにしていた、リストの”ラ・カンパネラ”は、想像以上にすばらしくて
思わず感動の声が出てしまうほどでした。
加古さんの演奏は、とても熟練されていて
すべてを包み込んでくれるようなあたたかさと、情熱を秘めた穏やかさを感じました。
絵をテーマにした新曲は、表現力豊かで芸術性に富んでいて
息を止めて聞いてしまうほど、繊細に聞き手に働きかけてくるものがありました。
レ・フレールの「キャトルマンスタイル」と名付けられた連弾は
いつもエキサイティングで楽しくて心が弾みます。
特にブギウギの即興演奏は観客を熱狂の渦に巻き込んでしまいます。
辻井さんまでも巻き込み、ステージと会場が一体化し、大興奮！
最後は３グループの競演、豪華な演奏は感動の嵐を巻き起こしてくれました。
未だに興奮冷めやらぬわたくしです。
Composer pianist Festival
I went to a piano concert yesterday.
"THE PIACNIST composer pianist Festival ★ 2014"
Nobuyuki Tsujii, Takashi Kako, Les Freres
It was a luxurious concert featuring three sets of pianist that are internationally active
One "Steinway" one and two "Bösendorfer",total of three pianos were on stage.
They each perform original songs composed by each.
The playing of Mr. Tsujii is very pure;
In his playing the scenes of freshness and sadness comes through; my eyes became blurry with tears.
I was looking forward to Liszt's "La Campanella", and it was more wonderful than I thought. I could not help but exclaimed in excitement.
Kako's playing was very skilled; I felt wrapped in a warmth, and the calm that has hidden passion. New song on the theme of painting, though rich in artistic expressive force
Better listened to holding your breath, there was something to come encourage the listener delicately.
Duet named Les Freres played in "Cattle Man style" . Heart bounces and fun exciting always.
The climax for the crowd came when they played an improvisation of boogie-woogie, joined by Mr. Tsujii.   Venue and stage became integrated. Excited!
The last was a jam of all three groups - the luxurious performance generated a storm of excitement.
I am still feeling the excitement.

http://yasukon20.exblog.jp/20149359 [with many photos]
2014年 08月 30日
コンサ－トで博多へ♪
http://pds.exblog.jp/pds/1/201408/30/23/a0105023_15455254.jpg
昨夜のコンサ－ト　チケット購入時の事は以前書きましたので省きます。
忘れるぐらい前に購入していました。
本当に楽しみでした。

辻井伸行さんは２年続けて八ヶ岳で生演奏をお聴きしたことがあります。
加古隆さんはイマ－ジュのコンサ－トで何度か・・・。
そして「レ・フレ－ル」はテレビで一度演奏を聴いただけです。
...

開場されて中に入ると　舞台には３台のピアノ。　調律中でした。
それにしても綺麗な会場です♪　広島には無いな～～。

最初は辻井伸行さん。　　いつ拝見しても、ういういしさがまぶしいくらい。
「神様のカルテ」から始まって６曲だったかしら・・。
来年１月３１日に公開される映画「マエストロ！」の主題歌も作曲され弾いてくださいました。
それにｱﾝｺ－ルで東日本大震災の後、被災された方々に思いを寄せて作曲された「それでも、生きてゆく」はこの度の広島市や他の市でおきた災害にあわれた方々のために・・と言われて演奏してくださいました。
いちど引っ込まれてまたアンコ－ルに応えてくださり「ラ・カンパネラ」を弾いてくださいました。
お茶目なところも持ち合わせておられてト－クでなごむシ－ンも何度か有りました。

次は加古隆さん。　　夫も私も大好きな方です。
繊細なタッチで醸し出される独特の音色はやはり加古さんのもの♪　うっとりでした。
そうかと思うと力強く、指は何本あるの？って思うほど沢山の音が聞こえ　本当に素晴らしかったです。
「パリは燃えているか」　　これはやはり外せませんね。
昨夜はラッキ－で　２回聴くことが出来ました。

「レ・フレ－ル」は一台のピアノをお二人で連弾されますが力強く　リズムが刻まれまぁ～楽しかったこと。
やはり福岡の皆さんはそういうタイミング（演奏家を喜ばす）をよく御存じだと思いました。
手拍子がやみません。
広島ではそうはいかないのでは！！って夫と話ました。
即興が凄かったです。

そしてアンコ－ルがあると思いましたがその時間に再度辻井伸行さんが出て来られて　
これもアドリブでしょうか（そういうところがよく分からないのが自分でも悲しい）弾かれ
「レ・フレ－ル」の兄弟も一緒に・・・そしてついに辻井さん　立って演奏です。　３人とも立って・・。
凄かったです。　みんなで一緒に手拍子♪

その後加古さんも舞台に・・・・♪
そしてそして大好きな「パリは燃えているか」を３台のピアノで全員が弾いてくださいました。圧巻でした。
会場が一体化して大きな大きな拍手で終わりました。
...

image via Internet link

I bought tickets early for the concert last night so that I would not forget; it was really fun.
I listened to Nobuyuki Tsujii live at Yatsugatake for two consecutive years. Kako Takashi first time now - And I have only listened to the "les Feres" playing once on television.
I entered the Fukuoka Arco Theater when the doors were opened.
There were 3 pianos on stage, and they were still being tuned.
The venue is so beautiful; we are not in Hiroshima any more.
First up was Nobuyuki Tsujii, as dazzling as ever. He played six songs starting with "Kamisamanokarute", and also theme song for the upcoming film "Maestro!" also composer by him.
And for encore he played "Still, we live on", which he composed for the victims of the earthquake.
And he played "La Companella"; he seemed to have played it more playfully and slowly at places.
...
[comments for the other performers omitted]
And after the encore [of Les Freres] - I thought that was it. But Nobuyuki Tsujii was brought out agin. And they played an improvisation together. And finally Mr. Tsujii was playing standing up ... all three were standing. It was awesome. Everyone was clapping.

Kako then returned on stage And then everyone was playing on three separate pianos the theme for "Paris Burning?", my favorite. It was a masterpiece.
It ended with a big, big applause from the entire audience.

http://artsupport.yoka-yoka.jp/e1281555.htmlhttp://artsupport.yoka-yoka.jp/e1281555.html
[blogger is affliliated with Fukuoka Art Support]
2014年08月29日
なんかつらかった？
...
いったん帰宅してメールチェック、諸調整業務などを片付け、夕刻からコンサートへ。辻井伸行、加古隆、レ・フルールという人気ピアニスト3組が競演する、オリジナル曲ばかりのコンサート。私、どうしてこのコンサートのチケット買ったんだろ？　買ったとき、なんかつらかったんだろなぁ。などと思いつつ座っていましたが、盛り上がってよかったです。自ら作曲するピアニスト3組なんですが、私が一番いいと思ったのは辻井さんのアンコール曲、リストのラ・カンパネラ。オリジナルじゃないけど。
August 29 2014
A softening?
[description of busy work schedule omitted] ...
After checking E-mail I went homeat once,
To attend aconcert in the evening.
Popularpianists Nobuyuki Tsujii, TakashiKako and Les Freres in three sets.
Concertofonlyoriginal songs. and IwonderedwhyI boughttickets forthisconcert? When I bought, them, I wonder if I was thinking of a need for softening. II am glad I did that. I thought the encore of La Campanella of Liszt by Mr. Tsujii was good, although it is not an original.

http://tsubameex.exblog.jp/23284859/
2014年 09月 01日
コンポーザーピアニストフェスティバル★2014　福岡公演に行ってきました。
大好きな加古隆さんのソロコンサート、東名阪ばかりで福岡ではなかなか開催されず…
live imageのコンサートは若い人に譲るといわれて、2012年に卒業されたので、まさに待望のコンサート。
3台のピアノが並び、3組がそれぞれ違うピアノを弾くという贅沢なステージでした。
ピアノはたぶん、3台ともベーゼンドルファー。
辻井伸行君のピアノ、初めて聴きましたが、ピアノが好きで好きでどうしようもない感じ。
友人の言葉を借りると、まさにのだめ（笑
アンコールで弾いてくれたのは、リストのラ・カンパネラ。
魔女のようなフジ子・ヘミングが弾くラ・カンパネラしか聴いたことがないのだけれど…
同じ曲なのに同じ曲に思えない、とてもキラキラした感じにびっくりしました。
...
September 1, 2014
I went to composer pianist festival ★ 2014 Fukuoka performances.
Solo concerts of myfavorite Takashi Kako, are not easily held in Fukuoka, usually just in Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka ...
It is said that live concerts have gone to the young people
Since I graduated in 2012, I have waited for this for a long time.
Three pianos lined up on stage, quite a luxury.
Perhaps all three are Bösendorfer [Editor: Nobu's was a Steinway]
Piano of Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii,
It was the first time I listened, but I couldn't help but like his piano [translation questionable]
To borrow the words of a friend, Just Nodame (laughs) [Editor: Nodame is a popular TV show in Japan about a pianist]
In the encore, he played La Campanella of Liszt. I had only heard La Campanella by Fujiko Hemming, which was bewitching ...
It didn't feel like the same song or the same tune.
I was surprised to feel that it was very sparkly....
------------------------------------------------------

August 28 18:00 4th performance

新潟市民芸術文化会館コンサートホール Niigata Performing Arts Cultural Center Concert Hall
(1,900 seats) http://www.teny.co.jp/event/concert/thepianist.html

新潟市民芸術文化会館コンサートホール Niigata Performing Arts Cultural Center Concert Hall - image via Internet link

今日は新潟で辻井伸行さん、加古隆さん、レ・フレールの斎藤御兄弟さんのピアノ演奏を聴いてきました。有名な皆さんの演奏素晴らしかったです。中でもレ・フレールさんはハイテンポの元気な曲でよく楽しませていただきました。最後の４人全員の合同演奏はとってもサイコーでした‼︎Today in Niigata we listened to the piano of Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii, Kako Takashi, and the Saito Brothers. Everyone is famous and the playing was great. Among others, I was thrilled with the fast and energetic songs of Les Freres. Joint performance of all four in the end was unbelivable! ︎

辻井伸行さん加古隆さんレフレールさんの演奏聞いてきたけどほんっと感動した(；＿；)辻井さんの演奏始まってすぐ涙流してる人もいて自分泣きそうなぐらい素晴らしかった、、また来たい〜〜 pic.twitter.com/vEGTx3FKew I heard and was truly impressed with the playing of Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii, Mr. Kako Takashi and the Brothers. It was great. Some people started shedding tears as soon as Mr. Tsujii started playing. I myself was near tears. Please come here again!

今日(てか昨日？w)はりゅーとぴあでコンポーザーピアニストフェスティバル2014に行って来た！辻井伸行さん凄い！まじ感動した( ´△｀) 楽しかったな～僕もピアノもその他もいろいろ頑張ろ！ pic.twitter.com/hUnrZPhtl0 Yesterday(heck, today?)I went to the composer-pianist Festival 2014 in Ryutopia! Nobuyuki Tsujii's amazing! Was seriously impressed ('△ `) The others also worked hard. It was fun.

コンサートすごく良かった！辻井伸行くんも、レ・フレールも、加古隆さんも最高だった！また絶対行きたい！Concert was great! Nobuyuki Tsujii kun, Les Freres and Mr. Kako Takashi were the best!
I want to go again absolutely!

辻井伸行さん直筆サイン入りポロシャツとレ・フレールのCD買ってきた。加古隆さんのCDも買いたかったし、レ・フレールのも他にも欲しかったけど、選んでたら誰もいなくなったので、他はネットで買うことにした。いやー、ほんと良かった！ pic.twitter.com/tHS9QhDIvX I bought polo shirt autographed by Nobuyuki and a Les Freres CD. I also wanted to buy the CD of Kako Takashi, and others of Les Freres. But there was not much to choose from, so I decided to buy from the net instead. It was really great!

Polo shirts with autograph of Nobu were sold at the Niigata concert hall; image via Internet link

辻井伸行さんの優しい音色に癒され加古隆さん独特の奥深い世界に魅了されレ･フレールの勢いと迫力で心が弾み最後の共演はもう感無量、幸せでした。ありさと来れてよかった！ありがとう♡ The gentle toneofNobuyuki Tsujii was healing. The deep and distinctive world of KakoTakashi was fascinating. The powerful momentum ofLes Freres. Mind-blowing co-starring. Was happy. I was glad to have come! Thank you.

image via Internet link

今日のコンポーザーピアニストフェスティバル2014楽しかったー♪ 満席の会場の手拍子は凄い迫力！辻井伸行とレ・フレールのセッションは弾いてる3人も楽しそうでした。本当よかったーThe pianist-composer 2014 Festival today was fun. The packed venue clapped with all their might! Three-people playing of Nobuyuki Tsujii and Les Freres was fun. It was really good!

http://itatelier.jugem.jp/?eid=284
2014/08/28
今日は、新潟市民芸術文化会館「りゅうとぴあ」という会場での「THE PIANIST」本番日です。昨日の肌寒さとはちがって雨上がりの生暖かい感じ、26度あるようです。

さて「りゅうとぴあ」は、京都コンサートホール、札幌のホール「キタラ」にステージや客席の作りは似ていますので、アーティストもお客様との距離感を近くに感じるようです。
ツアーも4回目。辻井伸行さん、レ・フレールの御兄弟とKAKOさんの演奏は、3組3様の揺るぎないクオリティーで毎回聴衆を沸き立たせていますよ。
Today, at the venue called "peer dragon" Niigata Performing Arts Cultural Center is the performance of "THE PIANIST".
The weather was lukewarm, with a feeling of rain but without the chill in the air yesterday. It felt like 26 degrees
...
The hall is similar in style to the Kyoto Concert Hall, which gives the artists a feeling of being close in distance with the audience.
This was the fourth performance on the tour. Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii, KAKO and the brothers Les Frères performed in 3 separate sets. The quality was unwavering, and every one of them was rousing
-----------------------------------------------------------------

August 27
This blog post was posted to the "Community Page on the Takashi Kako Official Site
2014/08/16
夏のツアー
23日京都からスタートする「THE PIANIST」で、大阪、札幌、新潟、福岡、名古屋、そしてラストの東京へと回ります。
昨年の第1回目のコンサートが大好評だったせいか、今年もチケット発売と同時に完売となる人気。ご存じ辻井伸行さん、KAKOさん、そしてレ・フレールの3組が登場します。ちなみに、この順番で、出演しますし、それぞれ違う3台のピアノがステージに並ぶのです。
各地で暑い暑いという声が聞こえますが、今年の軽井沢は晴れの日がホントに少なくて、テラスでお茶を、休憩を、という日もなかなかありません。
毎日リハーサル中で、「どこかに逃げ出したくなる」可哀想なKAKOさんです。
でもこのツアーで各地の風に吹かれ、皆さんとコンサートを共有したら、元気になって帰ってくるのではないでしょうか。
Summer Tour
"THE PIANIST" is starting on the 23rd in Kyoto, and will travel to Osaka, Sapporo, Niigata, Fukuoka, and Nagoya, and Tokyo last.
Perhaps because of the good word of mouth for the first round last year, these concerts have been very popular, tickets sold out as soon as they were released.
Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii, Mr. KAKO and Les Freres appear in three sets;
incidentally, they will appear in that order on three different pianos lined up on the stage.
Everywhere we heard people talk about how hot this summer has been,
We have had really sunny days in Karuizawa o this year; tea on the terrace; a break, th days were not always that easy.
They were in rehearsal every day; poor KAKO said "it makes me want to run away somewhere".
But the wind will blow around the country on this tour. Once the concerts have been shared, I think we can come back feeling better...

August 27
http://www.kawai.co.jp/pnet/568571/topics/52479/[This is the most detailed blog post about the performances so far]

コンポーザーピアニストフェスティバル☆2014
2014.08.27
チケット販売が3月🌸
予定も立たないのに、これは絶対行きたいと買ったチケット🎫✨
無事行くことが出来ました‼️
レ・フレールが好きで
辻井伸行さんの「ラ・カンパネラ」を聴いてみたいなーと言っていた
ママ友さんと一緒に行きました

最初は辻井さん
いつものように音がとっても綺麗で
音が少ない時もたくさんの音が聴こえてくるような豊かな響き☺️
人柄があらわれていて、本当に素晴らしかったです😂

次は加古さん🎹
情景が浮かぶような素敵な曲ばかりで、マイナスイオンが出てるよう🌳
癒されました🍀
休憩を挟んで、レ・フレールのお二人🎹
彼らが数年前、初めて出てきた時
テレビで見た主婦の生徒さんが
「先生、今朝、すごいの見たんです‼︎二人羽織みたいなことしてピアノ弾いてる兄弟がいたんですよ‼︎ 」
って興奮して知らせてくれたことを思い出しました。
1台のピアノが、時には弦楽器のように、打楽器のように
ピアノの可能性がこんなにもあるのかと感動してしまいます😃
とにかく楽しくて、会場も大盛り上がりでした🙌🙌🙌
全て終わると、レ・フレールのお二人が辻井さんをピアノの前に座らせました😳
そして、辻井さん、ノリノリで即興演奏を始めました😃
それに合わせて2人がコラボする😍
身体全体でピアノを楽しむ姿にパワーをもらいました✊✊✊
最後は加古さんがステージに加わり
『黄昏のワルツ』
をしっとり弾き始めました😊
ステージには3台のピアノがあって、3人それぞれのピアノにつき
黄昏のワルツ3台ピアノの演奏でした💕💕💕
もう、どれもこれも素晴らしくて最高‼️
会場もスタンディングオーベーション‼️
札幌コンサートホールKitaraデビューのママ友さんもとっても喜んでくれました✨
明日からまた頑張れます😉👌

Composer pianist Festival ☆ 2014
Tickets came on sale in March.
I bought tickets right away and absolutely looked forward to it.
I was able to go without problem! ️
I like Les Freres, and I wanted to hear Nobuyuki Tsujii's the "La Campanella"
...
First up was Mr. Tsujii
His sound was a very beautiful, as usual
The sound was rich even when it was soft.
His personality came through
It was really great.
Next was Kako. His nice songs seem to present a floating scene; all my negative ions went out; I felt healed.
After the break, the Les Freres came out.
A few years ago, when they came out for the first time, I saw them on TV as a student's housewife.
...
It was great fun anyway, the venue was ready for a big climax
For the big finish, the brothers and Mr. Tsujii sat in front of the piano.
And, Tsujii, began impromptu performance in high spirit;
the brothers collaborate to match him.
They really seem to enjoy it and were playing with their full bodies.
Kako came in at the last stage and began playing "Waltz of the twilight" lustily. On three different pianos, three people played on the stage. [Editorial: A twitter wrote that all gour people played together]
If there is a piano of three, each piano of each of the three people on
It was the "twilight waltz" played on three pianos.
It was the best yeat and wonderful! The venue gave a standing ovation.
My Mom's friend, who was at the Kitara concert hall for the first time, was also very delighted.
I will be able to hang in there again starting tomorrow.

August 26 Tuesday evening 19:00 Performance #3 will take place in the beautiful Kitata Hall 札幌コンサートホール Kitara大ホール (2008 seats) in Sapporo.

The Sapporo Kitata Hall 札幌コンサートホール Kitara大ホール (2008 seats), image via Internet link

今日はコンポーザーピアニストフェスティバル。レフレももちろんだけど、辻井伸行氏のカンパネラを聴くのが楽しみ〜！The composer pianist Festival today. The Brothers too of course, but I am looking forward to listening to Campanella of Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii! -tweet

Facebook posting
今夜は「コンポーザーピアニスト・フェスティバル2014」に招待され二人で kitara に行ってきた。出演順に、辻井伸行、加古隆、レ・フレール（斉藤守也・圭土連弾DUO）の３組が演奏。,,, [Praise for Takashi Kako] I was inivited to "composer pianistFestival2014"at Kitara tonight. Three sets, inorder of appearances: Nobuyuki Tsujii, TakashiKako, LesFreres...

image via Internet link

久しぶりのキタラ🎶 THE PIANIST!行ってきました🎵🎹 #KITARA #sapporo #Nobuyuki #Tsujii #Takashi #Kako #レフレール http://instagram.com/p/sKl1exwxgB/ The pianist festival at Kitara

これから辻井伸行さんのコンサート！！！あがる～！！！Concert of Nobuyuki Tsujii's now! ! ! Let's go.

あ、でも辻井伸行版を聴くのは初めてだ。But, it was the first time that I listened to the rendition of Nobuyuki Tsujii.

一番最後の最後に「黄昏のワルツ」を加古隆、辻井伸行、レ・フレールの四人ピアノ三台で弾いたのにはもう感動しすぎて涙とまらなかったよ(/ _ ; )！！加古隆の曲で一番すきなの黄昏！！！ In the end, "Waltz of twilight" was played by Kako Takashi, Nobuyuki Tsujii and Les Freres four people on 3 pianos. I was so moved: tears did not stop. Twilight my favorite song of Kako Takashi! ! !

KitaraでTHE PIANIST行ってきた〜！辻井伸行さんは加古隆さんはレ・フレール。素直で真っ直ぐな音だったり、情感、情熱が溢れる音だったり、同じピアニストでもこんなに違うんですね〜素敵だった！ pic.twitter.com/iG6ivB1Vsu I made it to THE PIANIST in Kitara! Nobuyuki Tsujii and Kako Takashi and Les Frères. Some sounded straight and honest; some sounded emotional; passion overflowed. It was so different even in the same pianist, but it was nice!

[The photo shows that Nobu played the same pieces as in Osaka but "La Campanella" instead of "Revolution" for encore. The list does not include the 4-people encore mentioned by another tweeter.]

This blog post shows a photo that includes the ending encores:
http://berohomemade.blog.fc2.com/blog-entry-1705.html
2014/08/26 22:25:13
スタンディングオベーション
第一部　辻井伸行　加古隆　第二部　レ・フレールというプログラム。
レ・フレールが終わって、辻井伸行君を迎えに行き、レ・フレールと辻井伸行君が競演して、ブギウギを演奏して、大盛り上がり！
そのあと、加古隆さんを呼んできて、全員で競演！!!
こんなサプライズが最後にあるとは思わなかった。
会場はほとんどスタンディングオベーションに。
今日一番盛り上がった瞬間でした。
あ～楽しかった！
辻井伸行君の「ラ・カンパネラ」を聴き終わったところで、私的にはもう帰ってもいいような気分だったが、最後まで聴いていて良かった～！
でも、次回は、辻井伸行君のクラシックのコンサートに来たいなぁ。
Standing Ovation.
The first part of the program was Nobuyuki Tsujii; second part Takashi Kako; then Les Freres.
When the part of Les Freres was over, they went to pick up Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii. Nobuyuki Tsujii and Mr. Les Freres jammed to play boogie-woogie, big climax!
Then, Kako Takashi came out, a full jam! !!
I was not expecting such a surprise in the end.
The venue was almost at a standing ovation.
It was the most exciting moment today.
Oh, it was fun Oh!
Now that you have finished listening of Nobuyuki Tsujii kun "La Campanella", I felt like they can back anymore private, but - it was good to have listened to the end!
After listening to the "La Campanella" of Nobuyuki Tsujii kun, I was private ready to go. I am glad I stayed to the end.
But, next time I want to come to a concert of classic music by Nobuyuki Tsujii .

image via Internet link

blog post

2014/08/28
コンポーザーピアニストフェスティバル2014
母が辻井伸行のファンでして、「一緒に行く人がいないから行ってくれない？」と言われ、
先日ピアノコンサートを観に「Kitara」へ行ってきました(*’▽’*)
クラシックなんて聴きに行ったことがないので「Kitara」へ行ったのも初めて。
すごくいいホールでした♪
座席が鍵盤の反対側だったのでピアノ越しに演奏者の表情がチラッとしか見えなかったんだけど、どの演奏者もすばらしかったです♪
辻井伸行は映画「神様のカルテ」の曲や、来年公開予定の映画「マエストロ！」を担当した曲含め5曲演奏。アンコールは2曲。
思いがけなかったのが加古隆。この人、テレビドラマ「白い巨塔」のメインテーマ作曲した人だったんだね〜。知らなかった。
当時、ハマって見てたドラマだったから生演奏で「白い巨塔」が聴けて嬉しかった(*´∀`)
秋に公開予定の映画「蜩ノ記」の曲を担当してるみたいです。
トリを勤めた連弾の「レ・フレール」の2人組、私は全然知らなかったんだけど一番盛り上がってました！
最後、演奏者全員でピアノ3台で弾いた演奏もすばらしかったです♪
Composer pianist Festival 2014
Mother is a fan of Nobuyuki Tsujii, and said, "Come, because there is no one to go along." So I went to the Kitara to watch a piano concert the other day. It was my first time there and I had never gone to listen to classical music. It was a very good hall.
I could not see the facial expressions of the players at the piano, because we were seated on the other side of the keyboard, but every performer was wonderful.
Nobuyuki Tsujii played five songs, including songs that he wrote for the the movie "Kamisamanokarute" and for the movie "Maestro" to be released next year. Encore two songs.
Kako Takashi was stunning. I didn't know that he wrote the music for the "White Tower" TV drama. I watched that drama and was glad to hear the music live, and he will be in charge of the music for a movie "Higurashino-ki" to be released in the fall.
I did not know the duo "Les Freres"at all, but they were the most exciting.
Finally, everyone played on three pianos. It was also wonderful.
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August 25/26
友人が行けなくなったコンサートのチケットを譲ってくれたのだけど、辻井伸行さん、神様のカルテを弾いてくれるみたい♡嬉しいよ～！ pic.twitter.com/UycjRw2eEY I was given a ticket for the concert by a friend who could no longer go, Nobuyuki Tsujii's playing of the Kamisamanokarute ("God's Medical Chart) -- I am glad!

な！な！なんと今日わたしたちSWOが立ったステージkitaraに、明日は辻井伸行さんが来るんですって😎 Wow, I stood on the stage of the Kitara today. Tomorrow Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii will be here.

あーーーーもーーーーー！！！明日！！！明日は加古隆、辻井伸行、レ・フレールのピアノコンサートだーーーー！！！嫌なこと忘れる！！！楽しみ！！！！！！Hey, Tomorrow! ! ! Tomorrow is piano concert of Takashi Kako, Nobuyuki Tsujii,and Les Freres! ! ! Forget all that nasty stuff! Fun ahead.

昨日のTHE PIANIST! コンポーザーピアニストフェスティバル 2014＠フェスティバルホール、レフレールのステージ楽しかった。辻井伸行さんも加古隆さんも素敵だった。最後盛り上がったなぁ。スタインウェイとベーゼンドルファー聴き比べられたのも面白かった。The Brothers were fun on stage @ Festival Hall yesterday at the 2014 THE PIANIST Composer pianist Festival. Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii and Mr. Kako Takashi were also nice. At the end, comparing to listening to the Bösendorfer and the Steinway was also interesting.

辻井伸行さん、レ・フレールも素晴らしかったけど、加古隆さんの『パリは燃えているか』息を飲んだ Nobuyuki Tsujii's and Les Freres were also great, but I drank "Paris Burning?" The breath of Kako Takashi.

http://rizumukko.shiga-saku.net/e1073685.html
２３日コンサートへ
　２３日の土曜日は、京都コンサートホールへ行ってきました。
　既に話題の辻井伸行・加古隆・レ・ﾌﾚｰﾙの素敵な３組のピア二ストが一堂に集い、「コンポーザーピアニストフェスティバル★２０１４」のコンサートです。
　３組のアーティストに一堂に会えるワクワク感！京都コンサートホールも行ってみたいところの１つだったので、以前からすっごく楽しみにしていました。
　
　辻井さんは、繊細な表現で音を奏でるので、心に静かーに浸透していく感じで感動しました。
　加古さんは、静かーに優しいタッチで鍵盤を押さえて弾かれるのですが、内に秘めた力強さをすっごく感じました。
　レ・フレールの兄弟によるピアノデュオは、連弾の迫力と観客を巻き込みながら奏でる音が心地よく感動しました。
　最後はなんと、３組のアーティストがそれぞれの音を聞きながら、即興で音楽を奏でる！なんて贅沢な時間！
　すっかり日ごろの事を忘れ、素敵な時をいーい空間で過ごす事ができました。

image via Internet link

Concert on the 23rd
Saturday the 23rd, I went to the Kyoto Concert Hall. It was a concert of composer pianist Festival 2014", three sets of Nobuyuki Tsujii, Kako Takashi and Les Freres gathered in one place. It's exceotomg tp see three sets of artists brought on one stage, and because it is held in a venue, the Kyoto Concert Hall, that I had always wanted to visit, I had been really looking forward to it.
Mr. Tsujii's tuneful delicate expression, I was impressed with the quiet feeling that continue to penetrate the mind.
Kako-san, I was attracted by his suppressing the keyboard with a touch-friendly quiet tone, but I felt very much that there is strength that is hidden within.
Piano duo of brother Les Frères played with a sound that was comfortably impressive while entertaining the audience.

Finally, after listening to three individual sets of the sound of the artists, they played music with improvisation!
It was a really luxurious time!
The daily hubbub was forgotten completely; it was good to spend some time in that space.

August 24/25
A big thanks to Nobu fan Yura, who shared this photo taken by one who was at the Osaka performance. It shows that Nobu performed these pieces: "God's Medical Chart", "Return of the Hayabusa" (2013 movie theme music), "Maestra!" (upcoming movie theme music), Rachmaninov's Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini (Nobu's arrangement), Morning in Cortona. And, for encores: "Still we live" and Chopin's "Revolution" etude.

image via Internet link
August 24
This is the first blog post I found that has some details about the first performance.
http://blog.livedoor.jp/madamesucre/archives/68202537.html
... 方京都コンサートホールにむかいました。
辻井伸行、加古隆、レフレールのコンサートです。
ピアノっていいな、音楽っていいな,兄弟っていいな
なんて思い、幸せな時間過ごしました。
レフレールの二人がアンコールに辻井くんを呼んで来て
三人で即興の演奏をしたとき、
思わず辻井君が立ち上がって
ピアノを連打しはじめ、
会場ももりあがりました。
喜びに溢れて演奏する彼の姿が、
みてる人、聞いてる人に
元気を投げかけているのがわかる、そんな
コンサート。 ...
I went to the Kyoto Concert Hall. It is a concert of Nobuyuki Tsujii, Takashi Kako, and the Brothers.
The piano is good; I love the music of the Brothers; I had a happy time.
In the encores the two brothers called for Mr. Tsujii, and the three of them had a jam session together. Mr. Tsujii stood up involuntarily and started to pound on the piano. The audience went wild. His figure seems full of joy and lifts everybody's spirit. What a concert...
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August 24 Even as the PIANIST festival tour is ongoing, three additional shows in Tokyo have been announced- whopping ticket prices!
The pianist Premium 2014 Xmas
Dec 15 19:00/ Dec16 15:00 Kioi Hall
Dec 18 19:00 Tokyo Opera City Concert Hall
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August 24 Sunday THE PIANIST festival show #2 takes place today at 15:00 at the 【大阪】フェスティバルホール Osaka Symphony Hall (2,700 seats)

【大阪】フェスティバルホール Osaka Symphony Hall -- image via Internet link

On September 3, a blog post with excellent photos came up - here it is http://soleilsuz.exblog.jp/d2014-09-03/
please visit to enjoy the photos. The blogger is apparently an excellent photographer. (S)he wrote that this was her second PIANIST concert but this time she might have seated too close to the stage. But do take a look at the photos of the stage that she took, which can not be shown here.

タワーレコード梅田大阪マルビル店 ‏@TOWER_Marubiru [Tower Records Osaka] tweeted:
【クラシック】本日フェスティバルホールである、コンポーザーピアニスト2014。辻井伸行、加古隆、レ・フレール三組の競演。来年1月公開の映画〝マエストロ〝に佐渡裕とともに参加する辻井伸行さんのキャンペーン、近日開催予定です！こうご期待！ [Classic] At the Festival Hall today, Composer-Pianist 2014. Nobuyuki Tsujii, Takashi Kako, Les Freres to perform in three sets. Campaign for the Movie "Maestro" to be released January next year. participated by Yutaka Sado and Nobuyuki Tsujii, is scheduled to be held soon! Stay tuned !

今日はフェスティバルホールでコンポーザーピアニスト2014を見てきました。辻井伸行、加古隆、レ・フレール三組の競演で、それぞれ違うピアノで演奏。すごく面白かったです！ I saw the Composer-Pianist 2014 at Festival Hall today. Nobuyuki Tsujii , Takashi Kako, and Les Freres in three sets, playing different pianos respectively. It was very interesting!

今日初めて辻井伸行さんのピアノ生で聞いたけどきれいすぎて鳥肌もんやった!!!!!!ピアノってあそこまできれいな音でるんやー(´；ω；｀)あーしあわせー♪完全に心が浄化されたー♪素敵な気分♪ pic.twitter.com/rpiXjn2QjO I heard the piano of Nobuyuki Tsujii live for the first time today. The clean sound gave me goosebumps ... my mind is completely purified. Feeling good. pic.twitter.com/rpiXjn2QjO

The following 3 tweets came from the same tweeter:
辻井伸行さんのピアノは彼の人柄がそのまま出ているようで、優しくて温かみがあってキラキラしてた。ほんま天使ですよ。おじきとか観客に手を振る時の仕草が可愛い╰(*´︶`*)╯ﾊﾞｲﾊﾞｰｲ Nobuyuki Tsujii' personality seems to come out of the piano; it was sparkling, warm and gentle. Really like an angel. Gesture when waving to the audience ... is cute

はやぶさと言えば、盲目のピアニスト辻井伸行のコンサートで、映画はやぶさのテーマ曲を聴きました。辻井さんの温かな音色が、はやぶさを見守る人々の優しい眼差しと重なるようで素敵だった！はやぶさ～遥かなる帰還～/辻井伸行　ピアノ: http://youtu.be/_hGwHlFCMw8 Speaking of peregrine falcon, I heard the theme song by blind pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii for the "Return of the Hayabusa" movie; it has a warm tone, very nice and fit well with the gentle gaze of people who watch the peregrine falcon! [Editorial: I mysef happen to like that composition - I think it's Hollywood movie theme music quality.]

はやぶさ音楽と言えば、やっぱりhayabusa back to the earthの音楽担当の酒井義久さんがまずは思い浮かぶけど、辻井伸行さんもほんと素敵な曲を提供してくれたのだなぁと改めて実感。宇宙についてイメージを膨らませ作曲するのは苦労されたそうですが、よい曲です！ About the falcon music, it was Yoshihisa Sakai who was in charge of "Return of the Hayabusa", but I think Nobuyuki Tsujii also deserves recognition for the nice music. It must have been a challenge for him to project an image about the universe, but what a nice "song".

http://miyochan22.exblog.jp/23283491 [Osaka]
満足なコンサート♪　小田和正・辻井伸行他
...
★8/24　「コンポーザーピアニストフェスティバル2014」　フェスティバルホール
...
Satisfactory concerts -- Kazumasa Oda; Nobuyuki Tsujii, etc.
★8/24　"Composer pianist Festival 2014" Festival Hall

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August 23 Kyoto 18:00, in the 京都コンサートホール Kyoto Concert Hall (1,800 seats)
Today Nobu is back in action after a long hiatus from performances.
The THE PIANIST festival will start today with a performance in Kyoto 18:00, in the 京都コンサートホール Kyoto Concert Hall (1,800 seats). Best wishes to Tsujii-san and his co-performers.

Kyoto Concert Hall -- image via Internet link

Tweets that came up before the concert

今日は晩の辻井伸行ピアノコンサート楽しみに黙々と頑張ります〜( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉ♫ pic.twitter.com/18LL0UMNpf I'll I will try to be quiet at this evening's fun concert of Nobuyuki Tsujii

わぁ♪楽しそうな組み合わせですね。辻井さんの演奏、CDとYouTubeでしか聴いたことない。生で聴いてみたいわ!!!!!It is a combination of fun ♪ Wow. I have only heard Mr. Tsujii on YouTube and CD. I want to listen to him live

私も辻井さん初めてです、なかなかチケット取れないから(^^;; この組み合わせは今日の京都が初日みたいです♫〜 It's my first time of Mr. Tsujii. It was not easy to get ticket. Tokyo is the first day of the tour.

しかも、リストのラ・カンパネラ (*˙˘˙)♡大好き～この曲。レ・フレールの演奏も聴いていて楽しくなりますよね。 Moreover, I love this piece La Campanella by Liszt. It'll be fun also listening also to Les Freres.

辻井さんはオリジナル曲もあるみたい。私はこのお三方とも初めてなので楽しみですThere seems to be original songs Tsujii. It should be fun to hear a three-way performance.

Yura tweeted :

さっき、関西の政治経済情報番組の生放送に、辻井伸行クンのお母様が、コメンテーターとしてご出演されてました。今日からご子息のノブ君は日本でのコンサートが始まります。もうすっかり母と子、それぞれの場所で大活躍ですね(^｡^) A little while ago, the mother of Nobu was seen as a commentator in a live broadcast of a political and economic information program in the Kansai region. Today, her son will hold a concert in Japan. Mother and child, each is already a big success at separate locations.

Sample post-concert tweets:

コンポーザーピアニストコンサート夢の時間が終わりました〜♫ 辻井伸行さん、可愛かったなぁ(^^) 加古隆さんは貫禄(^^) レ・フレールはカッコ良かった( ´ ▽ ` )ﾉアンコールで3台のピアノ演奏♬！盛り上がりました〜‼︎ The Composer/Pianist concert dream is over. Nobuyuki Tsujii was lovable. Takashi Kako's dignity. Les Freres was cool. Three Pianos performed together for encore. That was exciting!!

辻井伸行さんを含め三人のピアニストの競演。 @ 京都コンサートホールなう http://tou.ch/UL9faS Co-performance of three pianists , including Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii. @ Kyoto Concert Hall

京都コンサートホールいってきたよ。生辻井伸行見てきた I went to Kyoto Concert Hall. I've seen Nobuyuki Tsujii live.

辻井伸行さんと加古隆さんとレ・フレールのコンサートに行ってきました。素晴らしかった、めっちゃ良かった。背筋ぞわぞわって、しっぱなしでした。行けてよかったありがとうございます。 I went to a concert of Nobuyuki Tsujii, Les Freres and Kako Takashi. It was great, really good. Spine tingled. Unforgettable. I am glad I went. Thank you.

My commentary

Crossover performances like this are looked down upon by classical music purists. I am not quite so close-minded. This is not a publicity stunt like Lang Lang performing with Metalica at the 2014 Emmy. The artists that share the stage with Nobu are pianists/composers in Japan that, according to Miyuki, are very well regarded. Takashi Kako was classically trained in Japan and France, and according to a 2012 TV documentary, he was (and may still be) a mentor for Nobu's music composing. Moriya and Keito Saito of Les Freres (The Brothers) studied classical piano in Europe. These are accomplished musicians with their own enthusiastic followings.

But I must admit that I took a very dim view of this "festival"last year, which took place in late August, with 5 shows in Tokyo and 3 in Osaka. Tickets did not exactly fly off the shelves and the performances were the only ones on Nobu's 2013 schedule not marked with "ありがとうございます。チケットは完売いたしました。 (thank you, we have sold out)". I was sure that this was going to be a one-time only experiment by Avex.

The 2013 Pianist Festival 2013 poster; image via Internet link

image via Internet link THE PIANIST、演奏者は「辻井伸行」「加古隆」「レ・フレール」。ステージにピアノが３台もあるという異例の光景！ THE PIANIST, musicians "Nobuyuki Tsujii,""Kako Takashi" and"Les Freres". Unusual sight of three pianos on the stage. -tweet

As it turned out, the enthusiasm for the shows got better with each stop, and by the end of the tour tickets were selling out. Here are some sample postings that I collected

昨日のシンホーニホールのピアノコンサート　３者の違いのピアノコンサート　良かったです　　力ずよい曲　優しい曲辻井伸行さん可愛いです　優しさが嬉しいです Piano concert at Symphony Hall yesterday. Three different parties. It was good. Good songs and power. Friendly songs. Nobuyuki Tsujii is cute. Gentleness made me happy.

一番目は辻井伸行さんでした　　最後が斎藤兄弟でしたアンコールに辻井さんが出てきて３人でピアノ弾いてくれました　　兄弟の）パフォーマンスに付き合って立って演奏してくれました　驚きました　　感激でした皆さん　堪能　何だか得したようでした First up was Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii. Last was the Saito brothers. Mr. Tsujii reappeared to play an encore with the brothers. I was surprised. Everyone was thrilled. Somehow it added to the enjoyment.

http://ameblo.jp/wkbphrase/entry-11600816843.html

2013年08月27日(火)
辻井さんも、... 丁寧で、すごくお客さんを大事にしていることが伝わってきて、何といっても可愛いんです♪ （こんなことを言うと、ファンの方に怒られちゃうかも… 母目線なのでお許しを…）今回は、オリジナル4曲クラシック2曲で、ピアノの音が心に浸みわたり、優しい気持ちになりました。 ...
レフレールに連れられて辻井さんも登場アップ
レフレールがMCで言ってましたが、なんと辻井さん、レフレールに落ちてしまったようでドキドキ　東京公演最終日にいきなり予定外に誰にも言わずブギ・ウギの即興を演奏されたとか…。
私が一気にレフレールに落ちてしまった感覚だったんでしょうか…( ´艸｀)
演奏の終わった辻井さんを舞台袖でレフレールがハグし、「今度一緒にやりましょう！」となったそうです。
そのいつかが…今でしょ？！まさかでしょ？！と言う感じです。あの世界の辻井さんが…。
会場は大歓声！！そして辻井さんの即興で始まった3人でのセッション・連弾に会場全体が一体となりすごい拍手！
なんともぜいたく、なんていう奇跡！
その場に居合わせて、本当に幸せでした。感動としか言えません…( ´艸｀)
きっと辻井さんファンの方からは、信じられないようなことだったと思います。
辻井さんがぴょんぴょんと飛びはねながら弾き、とても楽しそうだったのが印象的でした♪
ちなみに…本日分のチケット、きのうの時点ではまだあるそうです。
And Mr. Tsujii ... Polite, respectful of the audience. Cute if I may say so (I hope this does not annoy his fans ... mother is looking ... please forgive). This time he played four original songs and two classic, my mind became immersed in the sound of the piano, a friendly feeling.

... <description of performances by the other artists> Mr. Tsujii was brought out to the brothers.

In their talk earlier, the brothers said that on the last day of their Tokyo performance, Mr. Tsujii started playing an improvisation of "Boogie Woogie" backstage. So this time the brothers were holding on to the sleeve of Mr. Tsujii. "Let's play together", they said. That some day be ... now? ! No way? ! It is a feeling to say. The world renowned Mr. Tsujii .... The venue gave a huge cheer! !

Great applause and the entire hall became one with the session of three people that began with an improvisation by Mr. Tsujii! It was a miracle . What luxury! ...

What's more, it seems that Nobu (who is the youngest by far among the four performers) truly enjoyed himself at these performances. I think it is good for someone as engrossed in music as Nobu to have some pleasurable diversion occasionally from serious classical music. (Even Wolfgang Mozart indulged in some frivolity with music, see here.)

And I am all for Nobu continuing his pursuit in composing, even if his original works may not be to the liking of everyone. Having recently read extensive about Wolfgang Mozart, I am now convinced that a pianist who composes gives us music that is far more interesting than one who does not.
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↧

Nobuyuki Tsujii, the global pianist

August 31, 2014, 11:16 pm

≫ Next: The Business of Concert Pianists September 2014

≪ Previous: Nobu at the 2014 THE PIANIST festival

by M. L. Liu, the Unofficial Website for International Fans of Nobuyuki Tsujii

The French Lieutenant's Woman (1980)

Anyone who has seen the 1980 film The French Lieutenant's Woman cannot forget the striking image of the title character (played by Meryl Streep) standing alone on a windswept seawall, day after day, looking out to a forlorn sea for the return of her lover, in vain.

I feel like that woman.

By now, I have followed Nobu's career for four years. I am proud to be a fan of his and Nobu continues to astonish me with his extraordinary talent and his impressive achievements. But you may have noticed that a note of exasperation has recently crept into my writing.

When back in 2010 I fell under the spell of Nobu, I feared that he would be forgotten once the novelty of his victory at the Cliburn Competition had worn off; and I dreaded that a day would come when I had to travel to Japan to see him perform. For years, I was pleasantly surprised. Notice I said "was".

While Nobu seems to continue to do well in Japan, I have to admit that I am becoming increasingly concerned that Nobu's road to overseas is not getting easier as I had hoped. What has always been an uphill battle seems to only have gotten harder. His engagements in the U.S., in particular, have dwindled to almost nothing; the venues that he performs in are not getting any less obscure; and ticket sales are not improving. What's going on?

This may come as a surprise to people outside the U.S., but the Cliburn Competition is not as well known in the U.S. as its publicity would have you believe. In some circles (such as the New York Times) the competition is not necessarily held in high regard, and winning at the competition may actually be seen by some people as a negative. In any case, whatever afterglow that Nobu enjoyed in the U.S. from winning that competition seems to have all but evaporated by now. It does not look like Nobu will be performing a recital again on the main stage at the Carnegie anytime soon. His only known upcoming scheduled engagement in the U. S. is a single recital next May in the remote wine country of California.

And my feeling for his prospect in Europe is likewise uneasy. I just don't understand why Nobu is not doing better in U.K., where he was such a sensation at the 2013 BBC Proms. In the wake of that phenomenal success, IMG (the International Management Group, Nobu's American/European talent management) initially announced two performances with the BBC Phil in Fall of 2013, at the Barbican of London. That turned out to be false advertisement and the announcement was withdrawn, replaced with a single November performance in Manchester last year. With all due respect to the fine city of Manchester, it isn't London; and apparently folks in London are not in the habit of traveling to Manchester (or Liverpool, for that matter) for the pleasure of attending concerts. Bottom line is, Nobu has not performed in London since the Proms, and has yet to hold a recital in the U.K. Or in Italy. His upcoming European engagements continue to be piecemeal affairs that do not seem to attract much serious attention.

Meanwhile, I am increasingly alarmed by the unexpected rising popularity of the THE PIANIST festival organized by Nobu's own record label, Avex Classics. These composer-pianist ensemble concerts, which I considered a summer fling for Nobu, have turned into big business in Japan for Avex. The summer tour proved so popular (read: lucrative) that Avex last week announced a Christmas mini-tour labelled The Pianist Premium 2014 Xmas, three shows with high ticket price tags. As the Americans say: There's Gold in Them Thar Hills -- and Avex might have found those hills.

In a previous posting, I wrote: "This (The pianist Premium 2014 Xmas) mini-tour is organized by Avex Classics International -- but they don't seem to have anything to do with Nobu's international career. It disappoints and troubles me." (I might add that these concerts also have little to do with classical music.)

But who could blame Avex? The American/European market for classical music is dismal -- the audience is small and getting smaller; and what little is left of the market seems to be dominated by big names heavily promoted by long-established record labels, leaving little room for poor Nobu, who does not speak any foreign language, and whose record label (Avex) is a new kid on the block outside Japan/Asia. My sense is that the handful of Europeans who are aware of Nobu know him more for his handicap than for his virtuosity. And why not? Nobu's publicity on that continent consistently portrays him as a curiosity, a blind pianist who considers the instrument an extension of his body, and a "monstrum". The Europeans may watch Nobu on YouTube and on TV, but they don't necessarily flock to concerts for him.

Like his mentor Yutaka Sado (also under Avex), Nobu is often mentioned in Japanese publicity literature as a musician who is 世界的に活躍する (globally active), which seems to carry a patina of prestige in Japan. Pardon my cynicism, but perhaps, just perhaps, that's why the promotion for Nobu overseas -- for his concerts and his CDs -- seems so underwhelming. Could it be that Nobu's management is doing just enough, the bare minimum, to keep Nobu being labeled as a "global pianist", for the benefit of business in Japan?

The promotional effort for Nobu in the U.S. is invisible. In Europe, there are at least some signs of life: Nobu can be seen on their arts channels once in a great while; and Nobu did get to perform at the BBC Proms last year and at the Louvre this year; yet, inexplicably and bewilderingly, there seems to be no effort to follow up on these performances. What a waste of Nobu's efforts! And how unfair to him.

I guess I can't blame Avex. I suspect the performances that Nobu gives in Europe/U.S. bring little revenue, if any, to Avex. Let's face it: It is a business, and they are in it for the money. But I fear for Nobu and for those of us outside Japan who love him.

Please excuse me now - I need to go find a seawall to stand on and have a good scream into the winds.

↧

The Business of Concert Pianists September 2014

September 1, 2014, 9:39 pm

≫ Next: Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Ravel with the OEK, September 2014

≪ Previous: Nobuyuki Tsujii, the global pianist

by M. L. Liu, the Unofficial Website for International Fans of Nobuyuki Tsujii

This page will be updated from time to time throughout September 2014.
Latest update: September 27

The business of concert pianists is fiercely competitive, given the small market and the abundant supply of virtuoso pianists. Very little is known about the business of concert pianists. This is one in an ongoing series of monthly articles that I keep to record my findings of how Nobu is doing compared with some other concert pianists, in terms of concert promotion and ticket sales.
Related article: The Business of Concert Pianist August 2014

i mage presented via Internet link

September 27
Season opening concerts are taking place all over the world. Our Nobu is missing in action, most likely busy preparing for his upcoming Europe tour -- practicing Rach 3 frantically, I suspect.

An article"Music of healing, of hope"about the new season of the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) mentions Nobu very briefly. They are opening the season this weekend featuring a little known Russian pianist who is playing Gerswin's concerto in a return appearance. Tickets have sold very well for the two performances, which bodes well for Nobu's season-ending performances of "Emperor" next May. (Tickets for Nobu's two concerts have already sold respectably.) I think the WSO music director Alexander Mickelthwate has the right idea: instead of spending big bucks to get marquee big-name performers like Mr. Lang Lang, whose asking price can pose a substantial drain on the budget of an orchestra, Maestro Mickelthwate invites less promoted but excellent performers like this Russian female and Nobu, who prove popular with the Winnipeg audience and may become a staple on their concert schedule, at a fraction of the fee commanded by Mr. Lang Lang.
I say bravo to Maestro Mickelthwate and some of the financially beleaguered American orchestras would do well to take a page from this conductor to get their budget under control.

WSO music director Alexander Mickelthwate, image via Internet link
My copy of "Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Liszt" CD arrived after a 3-day journey across the Pacific Ocean, compliments of Amazon Japan + DHL. I am wearing my disc out listening to in particular track #4 (ペトラルカのソネット第104番 Sonnet of Petrarch No. 104). The CD is available on Amazon U.S., but ordering from Amazon Japan is 20USD cheaper, but we are still talking about 40USD total, very steep for a single disc by Amercian standard ( Upcoming CD by Prince, ART OFFICIAL AGE, is 10 USD, for example). Although the CD cover photo has a prominent English title ("NOBUYUKI TSUJII plays LISTZ" in gold lettering ), almost everything else is entirely in Japanese. I had a hard time finding the tracks on iTunes because their titles are in Japanese. But I have complained too much...

Two big names will come through Japan next month.

Daniil Trifonov will hold recitals in Yokohama, Tokyo, Aichi, Okayama and Kobe, with tickets priced very moderately at 4000-6000Y. None of the performances has yet sold out. On October 14 Mr. Trifonov will perform Tchai 1 with Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Opera Orchestra. Ticket prices are 7000Y - 20000Y and most expensive seats are still available on PIA

The Gergiev-Trifonov concert is one in a series of so-called "Super Classic Concerts" held in Nagoya, organized by Tokai TV. The last of the 8 concerts in the series is Nobu's performance of Rach 3 with Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic; ticket prices for that performance is 7000Y - 21000Y, and, as you can see on this page, it has completely sold out.)

You may recall that in the summer of 2012 Nobu performed Tchai 1 in St. Petersburg with Valery Gergiev and the Mariinsky Opera Orchestra.

Also of interest is that Nobu is scheduled to perform Tchai 1 on Jan 10 in Tokyo with conductor Tatsuya Shimono in a charity concert to raise fund for Japan's Red Cross; tickets are 2500-8000Y and they are coming on sale just now.

Yundi Liwill have a recital tour in Japan late next month. Of the 10 performances, only one in Nagoya has been declared sold out. A performance in Tokyo's Suntory Hall, with asking prices of 4,000 to 13,000 Y, still have tickets available.

September 22

This morning I came upon a news article from Liverpool, U.K. about the 2015 Nobu's Japan tour with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic It comes with a big photo of conductor Vasily Pretreko. Nobu is barely mentioned. And it turns out that Japan is not the only Asian destination for the orchestra; they are also touring in China -- in fact next week. The article mentions that they will be performing with a native soloist in both China and Japan. It took me a while to track it down, but the soloist in China will be violinist Ling Feng -- I admit that I would not have taken it well if the soloist had turned out to be Haochen Zhang. The orchestra will make six stops in China, including at two brand new concert halls.

At least Nobu is mentioned at the end of the article. I guess it is only fair that the Liverpool media emphasizes their own orchestra conductor (Pretrenko) -- just like Nobu is mentioned more prominently in Japan in the publicity for the 2015 tour. That tour, by the way, has yet to sell out. Although each of the eight performances has sold well, there are still (expensive) choice seats available on PIA, including in Tokyo, Osaka and Yokohama. Tickets for the 8 stops have been on sale as early as back in January and only the one in Shiga has been declared SOLD OUT. Perhaps things are different in Japan, but in the U.S. it is considered unwise to sell tickets too far in advance -- 6 months at most is recommended.

Yesterday this tweet caught my eyes:

"Not many tickets left for @daniil_trifonov @southbankcentre on Tues 30th http://bit.ly/1wbkIi1

I had been tracking ticket sales for the season opening recital by Daniil Trifonov at London's Royal Festival Hall ever since someone pointed out that although he sold out smaller London venues previously, Mr. Trifonov will have a hard time filling this large hall that seats over 2000. So I checked the online ticket page and while the "front stall" has sold reasonably well, hundreds of empty seats remain. At this rate, it looks like the place will be only half full when Mr. Trifonov is on stage come September 30.

It turns out that the tweet was posted by StudentPulseLON (Student Pulse London), a site that doles out discount tickets to students and indeed they are selling out their allotment of tickets. I am glad that students are encouraged to attend concerts. It is a common practice for concert organizers everywhere to provide discount tickets to students. It is good public relation and when a concert is not selling particularly well, this practice also helps to "paper over" the empty seats. In fact, "papering the house" is a euphemism in the concert business for giving away tickets to cover empty seats -- I just found this 1989(!) Los Angeles Times article titled "The Fine Art of 'Papering the House': Free Tickets Sometimes Offered When Performer Can't Fill the Venue"

...Papering the house--which does not include the routine practices of giving away a limited number of promotional tickets for radio station giveaways and a limited number of complimentary tickets to members of the media and the industry--is a sensitive subject in the concert business. Everybody does it from time to time, but nobody likes to talk about it.

"It's very embarrassing for both the artist and the venue," said Dick Alen, head of the music department at the William Morris Agency.

One reason for their reticence is that papering is one of the tricks of the trade to give the illusion of success. Many in the concert industry would prefer that audiences didn't realize that there's sometimes a difference between appearance and reality, that one can't simply look at the size of the audience as an accurate gauge of a performer's drawing power.

That article was written in 1989, and things in the concert business have only gotten worse, even for rock music, if this article is to be believed. "Papering the house" must be rampant for classical music concerts.

You do learn something every day. Now I wonder if Lang Lang really does sell out everywhere ...

September 15
Nobu's Ravel performances with the OEK on September 10, 11, 12 was a big success.

The September 11 Bunkamura Orchard Hall Tokyo performance brought on postings that praised Nobu's performance with such vehemence that I am inclined to believe that this was a performance of a lifetime. I am very sorry that I was not there. The performance was obviously a big hit. Why can't we have more performances of this format? Please read more here

Haochen Zhang is giving a recital in Austin, Texas on Sept. 17, and there is much promotion, including ticket giveaway, etc. On the one hand, I wish to see Nobu in the U.S. more; on the other hand, it's sad that tickets have to be given away to drum up interest ... something that was also done in July for Nobu's show in Taiwan to sell out. It's a tough world out there in the classical music market. (I checked just now - actually Mr. Zhang's recital has sold quite well, but then it is only a 400-seat venue; I guess the promotion is to try to give the pianist the boost of a sell-out .) And on Sept 20 Mr. Zhang is opening the season for the Plano Symphony Orchestra in Texas - the 1,500 seats venue is nearly sold out.

Daniil Trifonov is in Seattle Sept 18, 19, 20 to perform three season opening concerts (Tchai 1) with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and its chief conductor Ludovic Morlot, "Sensational young Russian pianist Daniil Trifonov brings us the drama of Tchaikovsky’s awe-inspiring First Piano Concerto. Then, Ludovic Morlot leads the orchestra in Dvořák's stirring and melancholy tribute to his homeland, Symphony No. 7." The three shows are far from sold out! One week later, he performs Rachmaninov's Theme on a variation of Paganini on Sept 25, 26, 27 in Toronto, Canada, and those too are not selling out. His September 30 recital in London has hundreds of empty seats. His Oct 1 recital in Birmingham, U.K., is only half-full. I wonder if Mr. Trifonov is suffering from being pushed too hard too fast?

September 10
Many of us take a dim view of Nobu's participation in Avex Classics's PIANIST festival last month (see The 2014 PIANIST Festival, August 2014). But this news item that showed up today explains why Avex is so excited about it:

http://tvfan.kyodo.co.jp/music/news-music/966147
...
　今週のBillboard JAPAN Top Classical Albumsは、あの伝説のバレエ団「バレエ・リュス」でタクトを振り、多くの初演を行ってきたピエール・モントゥーの歴史的録音が、4枚同時にチャートインした。
...
8月から開催されていた【THE PIANIST コンポーザーピアニストフェスティバル2014】全国公演が、大盛況のうちに幕を閉じた。出演の辻井伸行が昨年リリースした『英雄ポロネーズ/ラ･カンパネラ日本ツアー』が第2位に、2011年リリースの『神様のカルテ～辻井伸行自作集』は7位に返り咲き、85回目のチャートインとなった。また同じく出演の加古隆が去年リリースしたデビュー40周年記念ベスト･アルバム『アンソロジー』が14位、4度目のチャートインを果たした。
...
This week's Billboard JAPAN ...
THE PIANIST Composer-Pianist Festival 2014 nationwide performances held in August closed the curtain on a great success. For performer Nobuyuki Tsujii, last year's release of "Heroic Polonaise / La Campanella Japan Tour" was in second place last week, and the 2011 album "Kamisamanokarute ~ Nobuyuki Tsujii own collection" was at the 7th place, making it on the chart for the 85th time. For performer Takashi Kako, his "Anthology" released last year as the 40th anniversary best album was at the 14th place, the fourth time that it has appeared on the chart. ..

So who can blame Avex for quickly launching three shows THE PIANIST =Premium= 2014 X’mas?

Adding to the depressing state of affairs is this article that appeared in the Edmonton (Canada) Journal today

Let the classical music season begin in Edmonton
By Tom Murray, Edmonton Journal September 10, 2014 2:14 PM
EDMONTON - Viola da gamba player Jordi Savall, a production of Mozart’s The Magic Flute conducted by William Eddins and a tribute to famed tenor Mario Lanza are among the many highlights of this year’s classical music season in Edmonton.
... The season winds down with performances by pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii on May 5, Stephen Hough on May 29 and 30, and Eddins playing and conducting the music of George Gershwin on June 12 and 13.
For complete listings see the calendar at the Winspear, winspearcentre.com

I am personally very concerned about the audience turnout for Nobu's May 5 recital; currently, the venue -- which seats almost 2,000 people -- is mostly empty. The only other soloist recital scheduled at that venue this season is a January performance by organist Cameron Carpenter, whose show at present also has lots of empty seats, although not as many as Nobu's.

Standing ovation for Nobu in Edmonton, Canada, on April 29, 2011, last time when he performed at the Winspear Center

It seems to me that with some exceptions, classical music recitals are really a tough sell in North America. Nobu's May 8/9 concerto performances in Winnipeg (also in Canada) are selling respectably, but the ticket sales for the May 5 Winspear recital is shockingly dismal. Unless things gear up, Nobu will be playing to an almost empty hall. His May 1 recital in California currently also has plenty of empty seats, but the main sections are at least reasonably occupied.

September 8
I have been harping about how competitive the concert pianist business is worldwide. Lest I convey the wrong impression, the business is no less competitive in Nobu's own country. Indeed, we are fortunate that Nobu has such a loyal following in Japan. Japan is a country full of piano lovers and pianists, and has had a time-honored devotion to classical music since the 19th century.   I have always been impressed by the large presence in Japan of symphony orchestras; concert halls; and magazines dedicated to classical music, including the famous Chopin Magazine and some impressive online publications.

In following web postings on Nobu, I have become aware of some of Nobu's fellow pianists active in Japan. Those of us overseas may not know much about these pianists, but they have their own sizable followings in Japan.

Here is a list of Avex Classics Artists (posted in English only): as you can see, it is a diverse multinational group, of which Nobu is one among a dozen of pianists that includes Turkish Fazil Say. I believe Nobu is the youngest pianist in the group, and currently the most popular in Japan. But 外山啓介Keisuke Toyama, 30, is popular enough to be currently on a Japan tour "外山啓介 PLAYS FAVORITE PIANO SONATAS" that includes a stop in Suntory Hall on September 6. There is a number of postings about that Suntory Hall performance, said to be almost full and attended by the Empress of Japan; one blogger mentions the overwhelming presence of females in the audience (Mr. Yoyama is said to be tall and poses well for CD covers).

Beyond Avex, a very young pianists who has developed quite a following is 14-year old 牛田智大 Tomoharu Ushida who has had best-selling CDs under the label of Japan's Universal Music, and I understand that his recitals are fairly well attended in Japan. (But really, is it healthy for a14-year old to be touring regularly)

Like in the rest of the world, there are many emerging prodigies in Japan, and the success of Nobu has brought on other pianists who have overcome severe handicaps. There are also many older and well respected pianists as well, including 横山幸雄 Yukio Yokoyama, one of Nobu's former professors, who is an active performer.   And there are also a whole hosts of jazz pianists such as Makoto Ozone 小曽根真 who enjoy great popularity.

In the past, the Japanese favored European classical pianists -- such as Vladimir Horowitz; Glenn Gould and Evgeny Kissin -- over their home-grown pianists. That might have changed. Although Kissin is still revered and his concerts are well attended, newer European upstarts such as Daniil Trifonov and Benjamin Grosvenor are not as readily embraced by the Japanese public.   On the other hand, Chinese pianists have made quite an inroad in Japan. Lang-Lang is immensely popular and Yundi is also big; their concerts routinely sell out or very nearly so, while Yuja Wang and Haochen Zhang are coming on.

Currently, Nobu's performances command higher ticket prices than his Japanese peers (roughly 8000Y vs 4000Y for recitals; 10000Y-20000Y vs 5000-8000Y for concertos). Nobu's peers don't enjoy the cachet that Nobu has as a "globally active" pianist, and they don't get to perform with foreign conductors as much, if at all. (It is costly to bring a foreign conductor into Japan, and even more so to bring a whole orchestra such as the Liverpool Royal Phil from overseas.)

So, as I said, we are lucky that Nobu enjoys the popularity that he does in Japan, but he has had to work hard to keep that up, and he will need the support of his management staff to do so.   Long may he reign!

September 3
Just how sad is the business of classical music in U.S.?

September 3, 2014 by norman lebrecht

3 comments.

The top-selling classical album in the US last week (source: Nielsen Soundscan) is the flamboyant organist Cameron Carpenter, who was denied entry to Britain earlier this year.
However….
Cameron’s Sony release sold just 387 copies.

Cameron_Carpenter_Sony_Signing

The next best was Benjamin Grosvenor on Decca with 229.
Pierre-Laurent Aimard’s Bach on DG follows with 211 sales.
That’s in the whole of the US market of 314 million people.
- See more at: http://slippedisc.com/2014/09/top-selling-classical-album-the-outcast-organist/#sthash.dNu5YJGY.dpuf

September 3, 2014 by norman lebrecht

3 comments.

September 3, 2014 by norman lebrecht

3 comments.

Norman Lebrecht, a British music writer, wrote in a September 3 posting:
"The top-selling classical album in the US last week (source: Nielsen Soundscan) is an album of the organist Cameron Carpenter. However…. Cameron’s Sony release sold just 387 copies. The next best was Benjamin Grosvenor on Decca with 229. Pierre-Laurent Aimard’s Bach on DG follows with 211 sales." Sony, Decca and Deutsche Grammophon (DG) are the biggest labels in classical music.

September 1
August has come and gone. The 2014/15 concert season has started. This month, on the 13th, Nobu turns 26. At the moment, he is finishing up a whirlwind tour in Japan along with three other Avex Classics artists, in the so called THE PIANIST festival from August 23 through September 3, 2014. The tour seems a great success in Japan (see here), although it is hardly a giant step forward for Nobu's classical pianist career.

I would love to start the month on a happy note, but last night I was seized with misgivings and posted a piece titled Nobuyuki Tsujii, the global pianist (who is not seen nearly enough in U.S. or Europe). The popularity of this PIANIST gig -- along with my disappointment in what is known of Nobu's overseas schedule this upcoming season -- has made me fear for the first time that perhaps things are really not ever going to get better overseas for Nobu. I SO hope I am wrong.

↧

Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Ravel with the OEK, September 2014

September 5, 2014, 10:53 am

≫ Next: A Change in Conductor for Nobuyuki Tsujii & the OEK

≪ Previous: The Business of Concert Pianists September 2014

posted by M. L. Liu, owner of International Nobuyuki Tsujii fans site
Related article: Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Ravel

On September 10, 11, 12 of 2014, Nobuyuki Tsujii performed Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major with the OEK (Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa) and French conductor Pascal Rophé (who replaces Marc Minkowski originally scheduled.)
This page collects news items, comments and photos about the performances. Please scroll down to read the latest.

CODA
The September 11 performance in Orchard Hall brought on postings that praised Nobu's performance with such vehemence that I am inclined to believe that this was a performance of a lifetime. I am very sorry that I was not there.

On September 18, a detailed review was posted by an OEK fan; part of it read:

The piano of Ravel, if it is played too passionately, it could rub the audience the wrong way. The playing of Tsujii was not too vehement; it made me feel a sense of impassive fulfillment, and I felt that it was Ravel's intention exactly. I think that perhaps there could be more sinister feeling or darkness on the whole, but the playing of the "26-year-old soon" young pianist (of the same age as the OEK, as fate would have it) charmed me completely.

More at Nobuyuki Tsujii x OEK review by an OEK fan

Here is another posting that bears testimony.
http://pfmazurka.blog.so-net.ne.jp/2014-09-13-1

image via Internet link
014-09-13 23:20

オンディーヌ[コンサートの記憶]
生まれる前の世界
そこで聞こえる音たちは
とても純真で
とても無垢。。
辻井伸行　ラヴェルを弾く！
～オーチャードホール
（プログラム）
ラヴェル：水の戯れ、亡き王女のためのパヴァ―ヌ、ソナチネ
ラヴェル：ピアノ協奏曲ト長調
（アンコール）
ドビュッシー：アラベスク第1番
ラヴェル：オンディーヌ（夜のガスパール　より）
辻井伸行さんのピアノの音が美しいのは、メディアを通じて良く知っていましたが
生演奏は　その何十倍も素晴らしいものでした。

彼の演奏は、まず　その音色に耳を奪われる！
音楽的なこととか曲の解釈以前に
もっと根源的ななにか。。
生まれてくる魂が　この世にやってくる前にいた世界
そんな国に響いている音を聴いているよう。

懐かしさと　もう戻れない切なさが交じり合い
涙がこぼれる。。
.
心が
無になっていく・・
本当にこれは一期一会のひととき！
この瞬間は後にも先にも、たった今だけ。

ここに集った人だけが聴くことのできる音。
光の無い世界に住む彼が
全身全霊で紡ぐ音が　ここにある。

おそらく、幸せの尺度が私たちと全く違う
けれど
この世に存在する確かなものとして
彼はピアノを奏でる
そこには
音楽とピアノを愛する
彼の純粋な心の歌があるだけ。。
写真はメディアからお借りしました）
私が楽しみにしていた指揮者が病気で交代したこともあったかもしれませんが
ソロの方が良かったなあ。。
コンチェルトの後にピアノのアンコールがあり
2曲目のオンディーヌの素晴らしかったこと！
これは妖精の魔法でしょうか？
水面（みなも）を揺らし
さざ波が　やがて泡立ち　うずまき、煌めくさまを
目の当たりにしているよう。。

おそらく、今の辻井さんにラヴェルがピッタリ合っているのでしょう。
このホールは響き良くないことで有名ですが、それをものともしない演奏に
会場は大喝采！
私も彼の耳に届くように、手が痛くなるくらい拍手しました。
...
Ondine [Memory of a concert]
A sound heard of the world before its birth, very innocent, very solid
Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Ravel!
~ Orchard Hall
(Program)
Ravel: jeux d'eau , Pavane for the Dead Princess, Sonatine
Ravel: Piano Concerto in G major
(Encore)
Debussy: Arabesque No. 1
Ravel: Ondine (From Gaspard of the night)
Although I knew well through the media that the piano sound of Nobuyuki Tsujii san is beautiful,
His live music was something that was tens times greater.
His playing, at first seems to rob the ears of tone!
I was concerned about the interpretation
Something more fundamental.
It seemed as if we were listening to the sound echoing from a world before the soul was born into it.
Nostalgia and sadness intermingled
Tears spilling.
My heart has never felt like this; this was really a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! A moment to last for life.
Sound that can only be heard by those who gathered there to listen.
He is living in a world without light
Here he was weaving a sound with all his strength and all his heart.
Perhaps, his measure of happiness is totally different from ours
But as something that certainly exists in this world.
He plays the piano and loves the piano music with a pure heart.
Concerto after the solo.
The conductor that I was looking forward to see was changed due to illness. But the solo was good.
There were encores after the concerto, and the second one, the Ondine, was great!
Should this happen? Magic fairy?
We were witnessing ripples of bubbling sparkling water spiraling around rocks.
Perhaps, Ravel's music really suits Mr. Tsujii now.
This hall is notorious for its poor acoustic, and a performer cannot assume a good sound.
But the venue gave a standing ovation!
Wanting the clapping to reach his ears,
I applauded so hard that my hands were sore.
...

This is an online review published by Classica Japan
http://www.classicajapan.com/wn/2014/09/121208.html

September 12, 2014
フルシャ＆都響、ブロムシュテット＆N響、ロフェ＆OEK
11日はオーチャードホールでオーケストラ・アンサンブル金沢（OEK）。待望のマルク・ミンコフスキとの再度の共演となるはずだったが、残念なことに健康上の理由によりミンコフスキはキャンセル。代役はLFJにも出演したパスカル・ロフェ。本来ならミンコフスキと都響のビゼー交響曲「ローマ」に続いて、こちらではビゼーの交響曲ハ長調が演奏されて「隠しビゼー・シリーズ」みたいになっていたのだが惜しい。もっともこの公演のタイトルは「辻井伸行、ラヴェルを弾く！」。前半はまず辻井伸行のソロでラヴェルのソナチネ、「亡き王女のためのパヴァーヌ」「水の戯れ」が演奏され、続いてラヴェルのピアノ協奏曲、後半にビゼーの交響曲という、ソロも協奏曲もオケも全部聴ける「一粒で三度おいしい」プロだった。快速テンポで開始されたラヴェルの協奏曲は、かなりスリリング。第2楽章のソロは詩情豊か。...
The Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa (OEK) at Orchard Hall on the 11th. It was supposed to be the long-awaited co-starring of the orchestra again with Marc Minkowski. But Minkowski canceled by reason of illness, unfortunately. The substute was Pascal Rofe, who appeared in LFJ. ... Bizet was played here but regrettable like a hidden thing. The title of this show was "Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Ravel!". In the first half, Nobuyuki Tsujii played Ravel's solo works: Sonatine, "Pavane for a Dead Princess", "jeux d'eau", followed by Ravel's Piano Concerto. The Bizet Symphony in the second half.
Listening to the solo and the concerto with the orchestra, it was "three times of deliciousness in a single grain." The Ravel concerto started in fast tempo, quite thrilling. Solo of the second movement is rich poetry...

Nobu in action on September 10 in Kanazawa -- image posted on Facebook page of the OEK, shown via Internet link
*************************************
September 12 19:00 群馬音楽センターGunma Music Center(1,932 seats), Gunma
http://www.takasakiongakusai.jp/concert/main.html#tsujii

群馬音楽センターGunma Music Center(, image via Internet link

高崎公演開演です。1曲目はフォーレ:ペレアスとメリザンド。工藤重典さんの素敵なフルートもお楽しみ。写真は夜の群馬音楽センター。ホワイエの壁画がよく見えます。Takasaki performances curtain time. The first track Faure: Pelléas Pereasu. Nice flute of Shigenori Kudo; also fun. Photo shows Gunma Music Center at night. Murals in the foyer look good. OEK tweet at ~7PM

image via Internet link

昨日のパスカル・ロフェが指揮するオーケストラ・アンサンブル金沢の東京公演（オーチャードホール）も満席で、大盛況のうちに終了しました。今晩の最後公演は高崎の群馬音楽センターです！写真は辻井さんとのラヴェルのピアノ協奏曲の様子♪ Yesterday Conductor Pascal Rofe with Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa at fully booked Tokyo (Orchard Hall) performance; it was a great success. Tonight's final performance is at Gunma Takasaki Music Center! Photo of Mr. Tsujii in performance of Ravel's Piano Concerto. -Tweet by Kajimoto (Talent management for Pascal Rofe ) at ~6PM

image via Internet link

5回目 #MS群馬マイタウンいよいよ今日から高崎音楽祭スタート！25回目の今年は上原ひろみ、辻井伸行(辻はしんにょう)、ランディブレッカーなど大物ミュージシャンが続々来高。ジャンルを超えて素敵な音楽を楽しめそう。詳細はHPを。 pic.twitter.com/u3nPU6rgyx Takasaki Music Festival starts today through the 25th in Gunma, my Town! .. Nobuyuki Tsujii ...

image via Internet link
【超速報】あした辻井伸行のピアノを聴けることになった
[Express news] I decided to listen to piano of Nobuyuki Tsujii tomorrow -tweet

昨夜は上原ひろみ   今夜は辻井伸行 ... Uehara Hiromi [jazz composer and pianist] last night And Nobuyuki Tsujii tonight ... -tweet

今日は盲目のピアニスト辻井伸行さんを聞きに音楽センターに！前チケット完売だったから念願の！
まだチケットあるみたいですよー To the Music Center to listen to blind pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii today!
In the past tickets I wanted were sold out, but it seems there are still tickets. -tweet

群馬音楽センター ‏@gm_center
【本日の催し物】本日（9/12）は「辻井伸行＆オーケストラ・アンサンブル金沢」です。出演予定だった指揮者　マルク・ミンコフスキが、体調不良のため来日できず急遽、フランス国立ロワール管弦楽団音楽監督である、パスカル・ロフェが指揮を務めます。19：00開演。当日券もございます。
Gunma Music Centergm_center tweeted
[Entertainment] Today (9/12) is "Nobuyuki Tsujii & Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa." Conductor Marc Minkowski was scheduled to appear but could not travel to Japan due to poor health, but is replaced by music director of the French National Loire Orchestra music , Pascal Rofe. 19:00. Day tickets are also available.

昨日、辻井伸行さんのコンサート行ってきました。ピアノ凄かったなぁ。アンコール、自分の好きな曲あったので嬉しかった。ピアニストのコンサート行くのは今回が初めてだったから、新鮮だったな。いつも行くとしたら、オーケストラのコンサートだったので。生演奏って素晴らしい Yesterday, I went a concert of Nobuyuki Tsujii's. It was awesome piano. I was glad that he played a song of my choice for encore. It was my first time going to a concert of a pianist; it was refreshing. I had always wanted to go to a concert of an orchestra. Live performance is great.     -tweet

今日は高崎音楽祭で、アンサンブル金沢を聴きに行きます。辻井伸行さんのピアノ、初めて聴くので楽しみです！ Today I will go to the Takasaki Music Festival to listen to the Ensemble Kanazawa.
Piano of Nobuyuki Tsujii, it is fun because I will be listening to him for the first time!    -tweet

アンサンブル金沢、辻井伸行さんのピアノ、素晴らしかった！繊細で優しい音色、リズムの切れ、テンポの変化、旋律の流れ、耳が吸い付くような魅力的な演奏でした！ご本人も音楽そのものという感じがして、とても可愛らしかったなあ Ensemble Kanazawa, Nobuyuki Tsujii's piano, was great! It was a pleasing performance that sticks to one's ears, with gentle delicate tone gentle delicate, dynamic rhythm, tempo changes, the flow of the melody! I feel that the person himself is like his music, very lovable.    -tweeted just before midnight from Takasaki, Gunma

あと少しで辻井伸行とオーケストラアンサンブル金沢(((o(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)o)))(((o(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)o)))(((o(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)o)))(((o(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)o)))(((o(*ﾟ▽ﾟ*)o)))Very soon, Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa and Nobuyuki Tsujii just a little bit more -tweet

今日の現場、辻井伸行さん pic.twitter.com/GuAwY8C1FC Performing today, Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii -tweet

image via Internet link

コンサートの途中なのに、辻井伸行さん出演順のところでWアンコール。こんなの初めてw It is still in the middle of the concert. Nobuyuki Tsujii appeared in encore. The first time this. -tweet

辻井伸行&オーケストラアンサンブル金沢、すごかった！！！！やばかったわ。コントラバスがかっこよかった Nobuyuki Tsujii & Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa, it was amazing! ! ! ! It was thrilling. The contra-bass was cool. -tweet

娘を塾に送っていく道が異常に混んでいる。なんと、辻井伸行さんの演奏会がある模様。何の曲やるんだろうなー。 Taking daughter to cram school and the road is unusually busy. Wow, there is a concert of Nobuyuki Tsujii. I wonder what works he will be playing. -tweet

しかも辻井伸行さんがピアノ弾く曲もあるからめっさ楽しみ(´・ω・｀) The music played by Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii was a real pleasure. -tweet

開催中の高崎音楽祭、今年は辻井伸行&オーケストラ-アンサンブル金沢行って来ました。辻井伸行さんのラヴェルよかったです。もう一曲は聞きたかった。又の機会の楽しみか？ Takasaki music festival is ongoing; this year I went to Nobuyuki Tsujii & Ensemble Kanazawa orchestra. Nobuyuki Tsujii's Ravel was very good. I wanted to hear another song. Is there another chance of enjoyment? -tweet

音楽センターでやる辻井伸行のチケットをわたしとお母さんでおじいちゃんおばあちゃんにちょっと早い敬老の日でプレゼントした。さっき公演から帰ってきて二人ともとても満ち足りたいい顔をしていた。あげてよかったな。As an early present for the Senior Citizen's Day I gave Grandpa and Grandma tickets for Nobuyuki Tsujii at the Music Center. Both came back looking happy and satisfied. It was good to have done that. -tweet

演目では辻井伸行は一曲だけだったけどアンコールで二曲もやったそうな。 Nobuyuki Tsujii played only one song for encore, but he played two songs in the program. -tweet

*************************************
September 11 19:00 Bunkamura Orchard Hall(2,150 seats), Tokyo
http://www.bunkamura.co.jp/orchard/lineup/kashi/20140911.html

Bunkamura Orchard Hall, image via Internet link

Nobu fan Yuko was at the Bunkamura Orchard Hall and shared this eyewitness account -- a big thanks! She was quite blown over by the Ravel concerto!

開演時間は予定から少し遅れて１９：１０スタート。
若い男性に連れられてノブ君登場。

ソナチネを弾きはじめると、もうノブ君ワールド。
紀尾井ホールの’Premium Recital'ときは、席が良くなくて残響が気になったけれど、
今回のほうがきれいに聴こえる。
去年のこのホールの音は期待はずれだったけど、どの席で聴くかで
音響が違うことを痛感しました。
1曲めって、聴く側を集中させる役目ももっていると思うのですが、
ソナチネ、よいですね。
ラヴェルの世界に引き込んでくれます。
美しいです。
終わって拍手。

次にはじめて生演奏で聴く、亡き王女のためのパヴァーヌ。
一音一音いつくしむように奏でられ、なんてやさしい響きなのでしょう。
その音楽にゆったりと身をおくことができる幸せを感じました。

続いて間をおかず、水の戯れ。
えっ？と思うくらい音の響きが前曲と違って聴こえます。
もうこれは、音の噴水ですよね。
前回聴いたときより、すばらしかった。
強弱も含め、本当に響きが豊かです。

ここで拍手。
拍手が鳴りやまないので、もう一度舞台に戻ってきてくれました。

OEKが登場。
指揮者、パスカル・ロフェとノブ君登場。
いよいよピアノコンチェルトト長調。
出だしからきれいにピアノの音が響きます。
第１楽章も第３楽章も、華やかで楽しめる曲でした。
難しさを感じさせないテクニックと響き。
きっとジャズのような感じも、ノブ君は楽しんだのでしょうね。
そして、特にすばらしかったのが第２楽章。
何人ものピアニストの演奏（10人ぐらいかな）を聴きました。
生演奏ではないから、これらと単純に比べてはいけないのかもしれないけれど、
昨日聴いたのは、私のベストです。
不協和音のように響く、独特の曲。
美しいと言う人が多いけれど、私の好きな美しさではなかったのですが、
昨日聴いて一変しました。
第２楽章、美しい！！！
右手、左手の音のバランスやテンポが良いのでしょうね。
なんでこのように弾けるのか！
今でもずっと第２楽章が頭の中で鳴ってます。
また、ぜひ聴きに行きたいを思う演奏でした。

終わって、すごい拍手。
Mr.ロフェとともに２回舞台に戻ってきてアンコール
ドビュシー：アラベスク第１番

拍手鳴りやず、今度はロフェではなく、若い男性とともに
２回カーテンコールに応えた後、なんと
夜のガスパールからオンディーヌ！
まさか、アンコールでこれが聴けるなんて。

この後、拍手に応え１回だけカーテンコールで第一部終了。
なんと８：１０でした。

ノブ君ファンには、ソロとコンチェルト、とても贅沢なコンサートでした。
聴く機会があれば、ラヴェルコンチェルト、絶対お勧めです！

夫はコンサートの後、”コンチェルトは、あなたが聴いていた演奏とは全然違う。”
と、感嘆してました。

The performance started a little later than the scheduled curtain time, at 19:10 .
Nobu appeared, led by a young man.
He started playing the Sonatine, and I was in the world of Nobu.
When we were at Kioi Hall for the 'Premium Recital' , we did not have good seats and the reverberation was troubling. This time I heard much more cleanly. Last year in the same hall the sound was disappointing; it brought home to me that where one sits makes a difference in sound.
The first peice served to concentrate the listening.
The sonatine was good.
It pulled me into the world of Ravel.
It was beautiful.
Applause at the end.
Next Pavane for a Dead Princess, which I listened to live for the first time
What a gentle sound! Played with care, note for note.
I felt happy to be able to put myself in a relaxed manner to the music.
Then came the next side dish, Jeux d'eau.
Huh? You hear s sound completely different from that of the previous song I think.
This was the sound of a fountain .
Just as I heard it last time, it was great.
Dynamics, including the sound, is really rich.
Applause here.
Applause like the sound of mountains,
He was brought back to the stage again.
OEK appeared.
Nobu was brought out by Conductor Pascal Rofe.
Piano Concerto in G major, finally.
The sound of the piano was clean from the onset.
The first movement and the third movement were luxurious and enjoyable.
The technique must have been difficult but it did not sound like that.
Also there was a jazzy feel, and Nobu probably enjoyed it.
The second movement was particularly excellent.
The playing that I listened to didn't seem like just by one pianist (but by about 10 people)
It was more than just a live performance.
What I heard yesterday was the best that I have heard.
This is a unique song that used to sound dissonant to me; some people say it is beautiful but it was not my favorite. But listening to it yesterday I felt that it had been transformed.
The second movement, beautiful! ! !
The balance of the sound on the right and left hand, as well as the tempo, was excellent.
How does he play this way!
The second movement is ringing in my head even now.
I would go again and listen to it again by all means
The ending, great applause.
He returned with Mr. Rofe to the stage twice.
Encore: Debussy Arabesque No. 1:
Thunderous applause ,
Now it was not Rofe, but the young escort, who brought Nobu out. After twice responding to curtain calls, he played
Ondine from Gaspard of the night!

No way, but it was! Listened to this in the encore.

After this, he came out once more only in response to applause and curtain call.
It was at whopping 8:10.

To fans of Nobu, the solo and concerto, this was a very luxurious concert.
If you have a chance to listen to Ravel concerto, I absolutely recommend it!
After the concert, my husband said, "That concerto is completely different from what you were playing [on your computer] and listening to."
And, I agreed with an exclamation.

Before concert

【CHASECO】東急本店、Bunkamuraのル・シネマやオーチャードホールの辻井伸行＆OEK、コクーン「火のようにさみしい姉がいて」等にいらしたついでにこちらでお食事いかがですか？http://r.gnavi.co.jp/97ha0sgn0000/ pic.twitter.com/bgiz8AV33W Tokyu headquarter, Bunkamura. Nobuyuki Tsujii & OEK of Orchard Hall and Le Cinema. Dining at a Grill. -tweet

OEK tweeted at about 10AM:
昨晩の金沢定期公演へのご来場ありがとうございました。マエストロ・ロフェ仕込みの辻井さんのラヴェルはいかがでしたでしょうか？東京のお天気はいかがですか？OEKはこれから東京公演の会場、オーチャードホールへと向かいます。Thank you for coming to Kanazawa regular performances last night. How was the Ravel of Mr. Tsujii and Maestro Rofe? How is the weather in Tokyo? OEK is heading to Orchard Hall for the Tokyo now.

昨日の公演で辻井伸行さんの水の戯れ聞けたのは、ほんとにらっきーだったなあ It heard performance of "the water play" by Nobuyuki yesterday.
I was fortunate really -tweet

After concert

September 11/12

It is just after midnight and already there is a detailed blog post about the concert. What a treat this must have been for our friend Yuko and other Nobu fans who were in the audience. Nobu played in the entire first half, starting with three solo pieces: Pavene for a late princess, water play and sonatine, ending with the piano concerto with the orchestra. For encore, he played Gaspard de la nuit [I am guessing only Ondine, the first movement] and Debussy's Arabesque [I am guessing the first one]. Oh, I so wish I were there!

Orchard Hall Sept. 11 concert program, image via Internet link

辻井伸行くんのリサイタル行ってきた！テレビで聴くよりも格段に美しかった… しかもラヴェルばっかりのプログラム！はふー I've been at the recital of Nobuyuki Tsujii-kun! Program of Ravel just over ... It was much more beautiful than listen to him on TV! -tweet

http://art-doremi.com/blog/?p=819

辻井伸行　ラヴェルを弾く！へお出かけ

image via Internet link
2014年9月11日
今日はオーチャードホールへ辻井伸行さんのラヴェルを
聴きに行ってきました。
2年前にサントリーホールで聞いた時は、とてもフレッシュな印象。
今回はラヴェル。
ラヴェルといえばウィーンの美術史美術館で観た
マルガリータ王女の成長を表す肖像画。
ラヴェルはこの絵にインスパイアされて
「亡き王女のためのパヴァーヌ」を作曲したとか。
そんなことを思い出しました。
（ウィーンのブログをご覧くださいね）
プログラムにも組まれていました！
演奏はやはりとてもピュアで澄んだ音。
印象に残ったのはピアノ協奏曲と長調の第2楽章。
きれいなメロディーが辻井さんの演奏にピッタリ。
美しくて涙が。
どうぞ機会があったら演奏会に足を運んで。
きっと感性がみがかれます。

image via Internet link
September 11
I went to listen to the Ravel of Nobuyuki Tsujii at Orchard Hall today.
I heard him at Suntory Hall two years ago, and the impression was very fresth.
Ravel this time.
Speaking of whom, I saw in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna
Portraits representing the growth of princess Margarita.
Ravel was inspired by this picture.
perhaps the inspiration for his composing the "Pavane for a Dead Princess."
I remember such a thing.
(Please refer to the blog of Vienna.)
And that work is in the program!
He again played with a clear sound, very pure
Was impressed by the second movement of Piano Concerto in G major.
Beautiful melody is perfect for the playing of Mr. Tsujii.
Beautiful tears.
If you have a chance, get yourself to a concert please.
It will polish your sensibility.

http://ameblo.jp/kikicorgi/entry-11923601850.html

...
辻井伸行さんのリサイタルに行ってきました。
...
すごく良かったです。
ラベルを弾くということで、このようなプログラムでした。
ラベルなど、フランスの近代以降の作曲家の曲って、色彩がとてもきれい。
そこに来て、辻井さんの奏でる音は暖色系の暖かい音。
伸びやかな、美しい演奏でした。
盲目のっていうことが話題にもなるけれど、目が見えるとか、見えないとか関係なく、演奏そのものが素晴らしかったです。
私、この響きが好きなんだなー…。音は音のまま、でも色彩として感じられるような。
パーカッションがたくさんあって、それもラベルらしいんだけど、ドラなんて、
ジャ～ンじゃなくて、ジュワワンって鳴って、そうすると音の色がエアブラシみたいになって
減衰していく感じ。
辻井さんの演奏は、型にはまっていないというか、よくある模範演奏っぽくなくて、そこがとても好きです。ショパンコンクールじゃなくて、ヴァン・クライバーンな感じ。（これは好みの問題だけど私の場合）
アンコールはドビッシーのアラベスクとラベルの夜のガスパールでした。
休憩後のオーケストラの演奏のアンコールはフォーレのシシリエンヌでした。
オーケストラはオーケストラ・アンサンブル金沢、指揮はパスカル・ロフェでした。
I went to the recital of Nobuyuki Tsujii'
It was really good.
He played everything listed on the program of works by Frenchcomposers of the modern era; the color is very beautiful.
Listened live, the sound played by Tsujii was warm with colors.
Relaxed, it was a beautiful performance
Mr. Tsujii being blind is a hot topic, but his playing is wonderful regardless of his blindness.
I guess I like his sound ....
Sound is sound,
But such as is perceived as color.
There a lot of percussion, it also seems, but in a nice way.
It was strong in places, but then the color of the sound becomes like airbrush, gently felt.
Mr. Tsujii's playing does not fit into the mold, his performance is good in a unique way.
I like it very much there. He should have won the Chopin Competition instead of the Van Cliburn.
(It's a matter of taste; this is just my personal feeling.)
Encore was Gaspard of the night and Debussy's Arabesque.
Encore of orchestra after the break was Shishirien'nu of Faure.
The orchestra Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa, conductor was Pascal Rofe
...

辻井伸行　ラヴェルを弾く! 2014/9/11(木)19:00開演ピアノ：辻井伸行指揮：パスカル・ロフェ管弦楽：オーケストラ・アンサンブル金沢 [辻井伸行ピアノ・ソロ］... http://fb.me/6KKtTDj0e ! 2014/9/11 (Thu) 19:00 Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Ravel. Piano: Nobuyuki Tsujii Conductor: Pascal Rofe; Orchestra: Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa [Nobuyuki Tsujii Piano Solo] -tweet

本日はオーチャードホールに『辻井伸行　ラヴェルを弾く！』を聞きにきとるでよ。 Today I came to listen to "Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Ravel" in Orchard Hall! " -tweet

image via Internet link - the sign shows that Nobu played Debussy's Arabesque I then the first movement (Ondine) of Gaspard de la Nuit by Ravel, for encore.

Bunkamuraオーチャードホールで辻井伸行とアンサンブル金沢によるラヴェル、ビゼー。全体的に柔らかい雰囲気で、なんだか大きな室内楽を聴いているようだなあと思った。今日のような涼しい秋または春先に良い感じ。Ravel and Bizet by Ensemble Kanazawa and Nobuyuki Tsujii, at Bunkamura Orchard Hall. I thought the atmosphere was gentle as a whole, and I felt like I was listening to great chamber music somehow. Today I felt good like in the cool weather of early spring or autumn.
-tweet

『辻井伸行ラヴェルを弾く！』前半、リサイタルみたく一人で目一杯ピアノを弾いて、コンツェルトまでやってから前半おしまい。後半は辻井伸行くんはいなくなってわビゼーの交響曲。おもしろい趣向ですな。 "Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Ravel! " in the first half, after seeing him playing solo I want to see him in a recital. The first half ends with the concerto. In the second half Nobuyuki Tsujii kun is gone and it was Bizet's symphony. It is an interesting taste. -tweet

お泊りからの今から辻井伸行で眠いけど楽しみ頑張るpic.twitter.com/HPYgpdlVtQ I am a little sleepy now just before the Nobuyuki Tsujii concert starts, but I will do my best to enjoy -tweet

image via Internet link

オーチャードでOEK＆辻井伸行。本当はミンコフスキの指揮だったわけだが、健康上の理由でパスカル・ロフェに交代。残念ではあるが、ロフェの手腕に期待 OEK & Nobuyuki Tsujii in Orchard. The truth is the conductor was changed from Minkowski to Pascal Rofe for health reasons. Although it is regrettable, best wishes to Rofe -tweet

辻井伸行くんのラヴェル(独奏と協奏曲)、すばらしかった！初めてナマで聴いたけど、音がものすごく純粋。生まれる前の世界から響いてくるような…。ト調のコンチェルトはミンコフスキの指揮で聴きたかったなぁ。 Ravel by Nobuyuki Tsujii-kun (Concerto and solo), was amazing! I heard him live for the first time, but the sound is extremely pure. It was like echoing from the world before it was born .... I wanted to listen to the concerto of the G minor by conduct of Minkowski -tweet

今日は辻井伸行さんのコンサートへ。ソロとコンチェルトとオーケストラと、三度楽しめました🎶 最後の曲は大好きなシシリエンヌで大満足🎻💞 pic.twitter.com/ebtAOl9DFL Concert of Nobuyuki Tsujii's today. Solo and orchestra concerto and solo, and I enjoyed three times 🎶 The last song my favorite Shishirien'nu - great satisfaction. -tweet

辻井伸行 With OEK. やはりさすが！と思う部分もあったけど、協奏曲ではオケもピアノも指揮も少しモタついた感じがあって残念。指揮者交代の余波なのかな？Indeed it was Nobuyuki Tsujii With OEK.! Too bad there is a feeling that in some parts in the concerto the orchestra could not keep up with the piano. I wonder if it is a consequence of the conductor's change? -tweet

初めて辻井伸行さんのコンサートに行きますた(=ﾟωﾟ)ﾉ✨ 『水の戯れ』が好きだなぁ CD買ったらPostCard貰えた Went to a concert of Nobuyuki Tsujii for the first time. It was great. I especially like "water play" . This postcard came with a CD that I bought. -tweet

本当に月並みな感想だけど元々ラヴェル(今のアイコンの人だよ)が好きだったのですが、もっと好きになりました。辻井伸行さんのピアノもっと聴きたいな、また違う作曲家の譜面がいい。今日はラヴェル祭りだったので It's trite to say so, I had always liked Ravel, but now I like him even more. He is a different kind of music composer, and it was even better to hear him played on the piano Nobuyuki Tsujii. It was Ravel Festival today. -tweet

辻井伸行さんのピアノ凄かったです。
これでも予習して行ったんだけど全く違うものがかえってきて始終感動してました……
澄んだ水が流れるみたいな、無数の光が反射してるみたいな凄く綺麗な音でした。
ピアノを歌わせると言うかピアノが生きてる？
ピアノが歌ってるみたいな…凄く幸せを感じる音でした。
Piano Nobuyuki Tsujii was amazing. I was not prepared for how impressed I was the whole time.
It was a very clean sound like flowing clear water, like a myriad of light.
Piano was alive or shall we say the piano sang?
It was a sound that made me feel really happy. -tweet

辻井伸行さんのラヴェル、聴いてきた。
初めて聴く音色。
どんな感想も易くなっちゃう。
最初の1音から世界が変わっちゃった。
I've been listening to Nobuyuki Tsujii's Ravel.
Sound I heard for the first time.
The impression came easily.
Starting with the first note the world has changed. -tweet

辻井伸行さんからオーラ✨のような貫禄を感じました〜🎶 生演奏1回聴いてみるの素敵ですよ（≧∇≦）It 's nice listening to Nobuyuki Tsujii live for once ~🎶I felt there is dignity, such as an aura, from Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii (≧ ∇ ≦) -tweet

辻井伸行のコンサート１回だけ行ったことあるけどとんでもなく感動した This was only my first concert of Nobuyuki Tsujii, but I was tremendously impressed! -tweet

芸術の秋です！オーチャードホールで、辻井伸行くんのコンサートでした。 …の後は、もちろん、泡ですIt is the autumn of art! At Orchard Hall, it was a concert of Nobuyuki Tsujii-kun. ... Afterward, of course, is the bubble -tweet

オーチャードホールでーす(^^) 辻井伸行さんのLIVE！ブルブル！ Nobuyuki Tsujii' LIVE at Orchard Hall! Ooh! -tweet

辻井伸行さんの演奏中に号泣し始めた高齢女性がいた。
この女性になにがあったかは知らないけれど、
「障害があることがかわいそう」
なんて思っているのだとしたら、
甚だ失礼な話だと思う。
障害があることは、
別にかわいそうなことではない、
と私は思う。
There was an elderly woman who began crying during the performance of Nobuyuki Tsujii.
We do not know what was with this woman,
"That there has been a failure in her life" perhaps... -tweet

渋谷で開催された「辻井伸行さんとオーケストラ・アンサンブル金沢」のコンサートに行って来ました。辻井さんのピアノはソロの方が好みだったのですが、今日のラヴェルのコンツェルトは良かったです。もっと前の席で聴きたかったかな。 pic.twitter.com/VJyKwViuWy It went to a concert of "Tsujii Nobuyuki-san and Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa", which was held in Shibuya. The piano solo of Mr. Tsujii is my favorite, but the concerto today was also very good. I wonder if I wanted to hear from the front seat more. -tweet

image via Internet link

東京公演も満席のなか終了しました来日中の。ルネ・マルタンさんもご多忙の中後半会場におこしいただきました。明日は高崎音楽祭初出演、群馬交響楽団の本拠地、音楽センターでの演奏、とても楽しみです！ Tokyo showendedamong thefull house. ReneMartin came to the venue inthe second half despitebusy schedule. TakasakiMusic Festival in Gunma tomorrow is the debut of the Symphony Orchestra,playingat theMusic Center. We are very much looking forwardtotomorrow! -tweet by OEK after midnight

http://blog.yoshikoikuma.jp/?eid=223028 [blog of Ikuma Yoshiko, who writes liner notes for classical music CD albums]

2014.09.11 Thursday
...
そして夜はオーチャードホールに「辻井伸行　ラヴェルを弾く」を聴きにいった。
　マルク・ミンコフスキ指揮オーケストラ・アンサンブル金沢との共演予定だったが、ミンコフスキが急病のためパスカル・ロフェに変更された。
　辻井伸行は「ソナチネ」「亡き王女のためのパヴァーヌ」「水の戯れ」を演奏し、ピアノ協奏曲ト長調でオーケストラと共演。ラヴェルのきらめくような美しい響きと特有の浮遊感をたっぷり堪能させてくれた。
　いつも辻井伸行の演奏を聴いた後に感じることだが、胸の奥が熱くなり、やがてほんのりとした温かさに変わり、それがずっと続く。不思議なピアニズムである。
...
And I went to listen to "play the Nobuyuki Tsujii Ravel" in Orchard Hall in the evening.
It was co-star plan of Marc Minkowski Conductor Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa, but Minkowski has been changed to Pascal Rofe for sudden illness.
The play "Sonatine", "Pavane for a Dead Princess" and "sport of water", Nobuyuki Tsujii is played with orchestra in the Piano Concerto in G major. Was let me enjoy plenty of floating feeling unique and beautiful sound like shimmering Ravel.
As always, I feel my heart is hot after listening to the performance of Nobuyuki Tsujii. This changes to a warmth gradually over time that lasts a long time. It is an unusual pianism.

http://ameblo.jp/emilie2014/entry-11923555375.html

2014-09-11
辻井伸行　ラヴェルを弾く!
2014年9月11日(木曜日)19時開演
於：Bunkamuraオーチャードホール
ピアノ：辻井伸行
指揮：パスカル・ロフェ
管弦楽：オーケストラ・アンサンブル金沢
ソナチネ
第1楽章モデレ
第2楽章メヌエットのテンポで
第3楽章アニメ
亡き王女のためのパヴァーヌ
水の戯れ
ピアノ協奏曲ト長調
第1楽章アレグラメンテ
第2楽章アダージョ・アッサイ
第3楽章プレスト

アンコール
ドビュッシー「アラベスク第1番」
ラヴェル「『夜のガスパール』より、オンディーヌ」
はじめはピアノソロを3曲。
今回演奏されるラヴェルの曲自体、和音が少ないんだなと気づく。
音もクリアだし何よりもピアノ、ピアニッシモなどの弱く弾くところの響きが秀逸。

亡き王女のためのパヴァーヌは、主題が繰り返されるが、繰り返した時にやや平板な印象になったことがもったいなかったけれど、とても美しかった。
個人的にはソロよりも協奏曲の方がより光る演奏だったように思う。
協奏曲、そもそも編成が小規模なせいか、弦の響きが弱い。
数日前にサイトウキネンを聴いたばかりだから、そちらの音がどうしても耳に残っているらしい。こればかりは比較しても仕方ないのだが。。。

第2楽章はピアノソロで始まり、柔らかな曲調がとても良かった。

第3楽章は良い感じに盛り上がり、第1楽章でも思ったけれど、ガーシュインの「ラプソディー・イン・ブルー」を彷彿とさせるフレーズも。

途中で管楽器が(ごくごく微妙だけれど)遅れたかな、という印象。

オーボエソロはあの方ならば。。。と思ってしまった。

ただ、オーケストラ自体の全体の調和は良かった。

アンコールはドビュッシーのアラベスク第1番とオンディーヌ。

やはり、流れが美しい曲で来たなと思ったけれど、やはり弱く弾く部分の美しさが半端ない。
この繊細な響かせ方は、宝だと思った。

ビゼー「交響曲ハ長調」
第1楽章アレグロ・ヴィーヴォ
第2楽章アダージョ
第3楽章スケルツォ
第4楽章アレグロ・ヴィヴァーチェ

はい、来ました！
そもそも先月の都響×ミンコフスキのビゼーに涙して、もう一度ミンコフスキのビゼーを聴きたいと思い今回のチケットを取ったという経緯がある。
ミンコフスキは今回は残念だったけれど、非常に素晴らしいビゼーだった！

第1楽章の1音目から気合充分。
前半はオーチャードの音響が良くないのか？と思う時もあったけれど、ビゼーは響く、響く。
が、なぜかピチカートが弱い。。。
もう少し、力強いピチカートが個人的には好きですなぁ。

しっとりとした第2楽章を挟んで第3楽章、第4楽章と進む。
バランシンの振付が浮かんで浮かんで仕方ない（笑）
第4楽章は驚異的な速さ！！
私が持っているCDよりもさらに速い。

これじゃあバレエダンサーから苦情がくるな（笑）
ハイテンションな第4楽章を駆け抜けてアンコール。

ハープ奏者がスッと出てきたな、と思ったら即アンコールの曲が開まった。

なんと、フォーレのシシリエンヌ（笑）
また、バランシンかーい！
と突っ込んだのは、私以外に何人居ただろうか。
非常に美しいフルートの音に感動した。
-----
今回のお客さんのほとんどは辻井さん目当てで来たのだと思う。
辻井さんが弾いている最中に嗚咽して涙する高齢女性がいた。

その女性の人生に何があったのか知る由もないけれど、「かわいそう」だと思っているのだとしたら、大変失礼なことだと思う。

また、ビゼーをちゃんと聴かない人も居て、そういうのはオーケストラの皆様に対していかがかと思う。

Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Ravel!
Bunkamura Orchard Hall
Piano: Nobuyuki Tsujii
Conductor: Pascal Rofe
Orchestra: Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa
Sonatine
First movement Modéré
second movement Mouvement de menuet
Third Movement Animé
Pavane for a Dead Princess
Jeux d'Eau
Piano Concerto in G major
First movement Allegramente
Second movement Adagio assai
The third movement Presto
Encore
Debussy "Arabesque No. 1"
Ravel "Gaspard de la nuit, Ondine"

Introduction 3 songs the piano solo.
The Ravel works played this time, I noticed have very few chords.
Also where the piano is to be played attenuated, there was a clear sound, and pianissimo was excellent, more than anything else.

Pavane for a Dead Princess was a bit of a waste, because the theme is repeated it became monotonous and the impression became flat. But it was very beautiful.
Personally, I think the concerto shone more than the solo.
The concerto, perhaps because this was a small assembly, the sound of the strings is weak.
And because I was just listening to the Saito Kinen a few days ago, the sound of it seems to still be in my ears. I could not help but compare.

It begins with a piano solo, a soft melody; the second movement was excellent.
My impression (it's very, very subtle ) is that there was a little delay in the wind section.
The oboe solo ... I thought.

However, the harmony of the whole of the orchestra itself was good.
The climax felt good, I thought in the first movement and especially in the third movement there are phrases reminiscent of Gershwin "Rhapsody in Blue".

Encore Ondine and Debussy's Arabesque No. 1.

Again, the songs flow beautifully.
The quiet parts were especially beautiful.
The delicate sound was, I thought, a treasure.
...
I think that the audience this time were mostly customers of Mr. Tsujii.
There was an elderly women who kept sobbing in the middle of Tsujii's playing.
There is no knowing what was in the life of that woman, but if that was the case that she felt "poor", I think it's very rude ...

http://fiorita.exblog.jp/22916676/

2014-09-12 23:29
辻井伸行君のピアノを聴きに。。in　Bunkamura
雨が降ったり、止んだり。。。
皆様、足元は大丈夫でしたか？
さて、友人のKさんに誘われて
Bunkamuraオーチャードホールへ。
辻井伸行さんとアンサンブル金沢のコラボレーション。
辻井君のピアノはTVやYouＴubeでは親しみありましたが、
生で聴くのは初めてで、とても楽しみに足を運びました。

やはり、思った通り。
天使が奏でる音かと思いました。

最初は辻井君のピアノソロ。
次はアンサンブル金沢とのコラボ。
休憩はさんで、アンサンブル金沢のみ。
Bunkamuraの休憩といえば。。。
「生ハム」
ワインと生ハムを堪能して、さらに気分良く後半へ。

本人の才能だけに注目出来ればいいのですが、
どうしても「目が見えないのに凄い！！」と思ってしまう。
そんな自分の見方が、偏見なのか考えてしまっていましたが、
目が見えないコトは彼の個性であり、長所にもなりうるのだ。。。と、
生の演奏を聴きながら、自分の考えを改めました。

人間はたまたま五体満足な人が人口の多くを占めているだけで、
それが当たり前だなんて、とんだ先入観です。
五体満足でも心や気持ちに問題がある方だって沢山いる訳で、
決して見た目や植えつけられた「常識」が全てではないのだと思いました。

いろいろな意味で心に響くコンサートでした。
友人Kさんは、初っ端から涙・涙。。。
私も感極まって、うるっときました。

奏でる「音」で、他人の心を震えさせるなんて、
なんて素晴らしい事でしょう。
彼のピュアな心に、少しでも触れる事が出来て
心が洗われたようでした。

これからも彼は、人々の五感に触れてていく事でしょう。。。

To listen to the piano of Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii. . in Bunkamura
Rain stopped. . .
Everyone, are your feet okay?
Well, I was invited by friends to Bunkamura Orchard Hall.
Collaboration of Ensemble Kanazawa and Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii.
Although I have heard the friendly piano of Mr. Tsujii on TV and YouTube,
This was the first time I listen to him; we were very excited about the visit.
I wondered once more whether I would hear the sound of an angle's playing.
The piano solo of Tsujii kun first.
Followed by collaboration ensemble Kanazawa.
After the break, only Ensemble Kanazawa.
...
And I hope we can just focus on talent of the person,
You would think he is absolutely "great" for a blind person
But that is a prejudice.
His personality has turned his blindness to his advantage . . . And,
While listening to him playing live, I revised my thoughts.
It is natural for people to have a prejudice against those who are not whole.
But the integrity of mind and body is just as meaningful, and we should adjust our "common sense" for those [with a handicap].It was a concert inspirational in many ways.
My friend was in tears. I was also overcome with emotion.
The "sound" that he played! The heart trembled!
It was wonderful.
The pure mind of his, to be able to experience it even a little.
My heart seemed washed.
In the future, I will consider the five senses of people...

http://blog.goo.ne.jp/sora-iro_0505/e/68e4e5719286bb143bd81b0de39aff3c

辻井さん、ラヴェルを弾く！
2014-09-13
　久ぶりにペン（キーボード）を執ります。まず、一昨日のこと…
　9月11日（木）の夜は、待ちに待った辻井伸行さんのコンサート… 「辻井伸行、ラヴェルを弾く！」に行ってきました。
　...
　さて、辻井さんのコンサート会場は、渋谷オーチャードホール、エスカレーターに続く人の波！
　何とか求めることができた今回のチケットは２階のサイド席。でも、ステージに向かって右側だったので、辻井さんの表情がよく見える場所でラッキーでした。
　この日は、オール「ラヴェル」のプログラムで…
　最初に独奏で小品を３曲…
　・ソナチネ（モデレ・メヌエット・アニメの３楽章）
　・亡き王女のためのパヴァーヌ
　・水の戯れ
　次に、アンサンブル金沢との「ピアノ協奏曲ト長調」
　盛大な喝采に応えて、アンコールを２曲
　・ドビッシー　「アラベスク第１番」
　・ラヴェル　　「夜のガスパールよりオンディーヌ」
　演奏の途中から、「凄い！」が極まって、涙がこぼれてしまいました。
　アンサンブル金沢は小編成の室内オーケストラです。ヴァイオリンは第１・第２とも４プル、ビオラ・チェロは２プル、コントラバスが３人、管楽器は各パートがほぼ一人でしたが、「孤」が活かされていて素晴らしい演奏でした。
　後半は、その「金沢」による、ビゼーの「交響曲ハ長調」
　指揮者は、当初予定されていたミンコフスキさんがご病気のため、バスカル・ロフェさんが勤めましたが、「代役」を全く感じさせない熱演でした　
　充実した一日でした。

image via Internet link
I take the pen (keyboard) after a long absence...
In the evening September 11 (Thursday), the long-awaited concert of Nobuyuki Tsujii ... and we went to! "Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Ravel".
...
Well, at the venue, Shibuya Orchard Hall, I followed a wave of people heading to the concert , up the escalator!
Tickets for this time were side seats on the second floor.
But, fortunately, because we were on the right side of the stage, the expression of Mr. Tsujii was seen well.
On this day, in an all "Ravel" program ...
3 solo pieces came first ...
· (3rd movement of Modere-Minuet anime) Sonatine
- Pavane for a Dead Princess
• Jeux d'eau
Next, with the Ensemble Kanazawa, "Piano Concerto in G major"
In response to big cheer, two songs an encore
· Debussy "Arabesque No. 1"
- Ravel "Ondine" from" Gaspard of the Night"
In the middle of the performance, I decided that it was "amazing". I shed tears.
Ensemble Kanazawa is a small chamber orchestra ... but it was playing great, every part was utilized to the full.
The second half, "Kanazawa" only, Bizet's "Symphony in C major"
Due to illness, Minkowski, who was originally scehduled was replaced by Mr. Pascal Rofe as conductor; it was an enthusiastic performance that did not feel at all "stand-in".
It was a day of substance.

辻井伸行の弾くラヴェルを聴きに行った。亡き王女のためのパヴァーヌ。昨年の夏、お世話になったある方の突然の訃報に接したことを胸に秘めつつ。悲しさも含め、地球は美しく闇夜に浮かんでいる。 pic.twitter.com/uvfDTlUHKa I weent to listen to Nobuyuki Tsujii's Ravel. Pavene for a dead princess. Last year's summer, this music eased my sadness after I unexpectedly came upon the obituary of a friend. Includingalsosadness, the earth wasfloating in thedark nightbeautifully. -tweet

image via Internet link

September 11 Facebook page posting of Japanese musician 純名里沙
で、リハーサルの後は、久しぶりにオーチャードホールへ！
私がよくお世話になっている大好きな楽団、オーケストラ・アンサンブル金沢と、ピアニスト辻井伸行さんのコンサートへ行って、これまた素晴らしい音のシャワーを存分にあびて参りました。。！
辻井さんのピアノは、それこそ宝塚１００周年記念式典で初めて“ラ・カンパネラ”を聞いて感銘を受けて以来でしたが、
本日もそれはそれは辻井さんの中の美しい音楽の世界に大きなホールがすっぽりと包まれ、アンサンブル金沢の繊細な響と共鳴して、本当に素敵でした。
知っているオーケストラのメンバーの方々のお顔も見られて嬉しかったなぁ。。♪　私もまた、共演出来る日を楽しみに頑張ります！
At, after the rehearsal, I went to the Orchard Hall for the first time in a long time!
To go to my favorite orchestra, the Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa, in a concert with pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii's, and we bathed in the great sound . . !
For the first time I heard the piano of Mr. Tsujii since I was impressed with his "La Campanella" played in the Takarazuka 100 anniversary.
The large concert hall was wrapped comfortably in the world of the beautiful music of Mr. Tsujii, in resonance with the delicate sound of Ensemble Kanazawa, it was really nice today.
I was happy to have seen the faces of members of the orchestra that I know. . ♪ I look forward to the day that I can play with them!

http://ameblo.jp/akicat691203/entry-11923681024.html

image via Internet link
2014-09-12 08:23:58
辻井伸行ラヴェルを弾く！
コンサートのチケットをもらう。
オーチャードホールにて「辻井伸行ラヴェルを弾く！」。
クラッシックファンじゃなくても知る人が多かろう全盲ピアニスト辻井伸行氏と
マルク・ミンコフスキ指揮、オーケストラ・アンサンブル金沢の公演。
公演直前、指揮者ミンコフスキ氏が重篤な病のため来日が不可能となり、
パルカル・ロフェ氏に変更となりました。
わざわざ英語の手紙のコピーを張り、
ミンコフスキ氏との共演が見られないんじゃなぁ…って人の為にチケット払い戻しの案内も。
そんなこんな全く分からぬド素人の私、一度は聞いてみたかった辻井氏を楽しみに会場へ。
マニアによると会場の席によって音の響き方全く違うんだとか。
今回はほぼ中央、斜め後ろの席には音楽テレビ番組で見たことがある男性が座ってました。
年配客が多く、クラッシックマニアって独特のオタクモードがありますなぁ
スタッフに手に取られ辻井伸行氏登場。
片手をピアノに触れながら、3方向にお人形さんのようにぺこりとお辞儀をし、椅子に座る。
と、途端にモードが変わり、素晴らしい演奏が始まる。
全盲の人の特徴であろう、首を揺らしながら実に「素直にのびやかに楽しそうに」演奏するのである。
つい全盲であることを忘れてしまうような演奏ですが、
どうやって練習したのだろう、どうやって指揮者の意図を読み取るのだろう、、、
やはり気になります。
幼少時、母が彼の驚異的な耳と音楽の能力を見出し、当時就いた先生は
左手と右手の演奏をそれぞれ、音の強弱や作者の意図などを織り込みながら録音し聞かせたという。
周りの環境にも恵まれ、彼の能力は花開いたんですね。意志も相当強そうである。
サイトをググってると、
「彼はまだ若者、音楽家というのは後年もっとひねくれた嫌な奴にならないといけない」
なんてものがあり、入場時ずっしりもらった膨大な公演パンフレットを見ながら、
この道の深さ、困難さを垣間見るのでありました。。。
アンコール曲
ドビュッシー「アラベスク第一番」、ラヴェル「夜のガスパールよりオンディーヌ」
素敵でした(*^▽^*)
2014-09-12 08:23:58
Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Ravel!
I got a ticket for the concert.
"Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Ravel!" at Orchard Hall.
With completely blind pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii I know that e will be many people there who are not classical music fans.
Marc Minkowski conducts Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa.。
Just before the performance, Conductor Minkowski fell ill and it became impossible for him to come to Japan, and a change was made for Pascal Rofe to take over ... refunds were offered.
As an amateur I was not entirely sure, but I went to the venue looking forward to hearing Mr. Tsujii for once. People in the know said where you sit makes a big difference in the reverbation.
I was seated near the center.
Seated diagonally behind me were some gentlement that I have seen on a music TV show.
Many elderly customers in many cases. Not the typical classical music nerds.
Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii appeared being taken in the hand of a staff.
While touching the piano with one hand,
He bowed to the audience in three directions before seating on the bench.

Then, instantly he switched made and launched into a great performance mode. As is characteristc of the blind, he played swaying his neck in a "straightforward playing with pure pleasure."

While he is playing, you forget that he is blind, but how he must have practiced to do this and ... how does he sense the intentions of the conductor, I wonder.
His mother discovered his musical ability during his childhood, and found that his ability of hearing music is phenomenal,
Teacher at that time took to recording music notes of the right and left hand separately for him to learn music scores.

Blessed with the surrounding environment and his abilities, he blossomed.
On Google, I read a posting that says "young musicians sometimes turn into a nasty guy and become more perverse in later years." I thought about this as I read ahuge concert brochure that I got upon admission. We can see the difficult and the depty of the road ahead of him.
Encores were Debussy "Arabesque No.1" and Ravel "Ondine from Gaspard of the Night" They were lovely.

*********************************************************
September 10 19:00 石川県立音楽堂 Ishikawa ongakudo(1,560 seats), Kanazawa.
Season opener for the OEK Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa

石川県立音楽堂 Ishikawa ongakudo, image via Internet link

September 10
辻井伸行さんがコンサートが金沢で。 pic.twitter.com/P4LDYsdjRz Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii at Kanazawa concert -tweet

image via Internet link

さてっと、やっと外出。石川県立音楽堂へ♪ 今夜は、アンサンブル金沢と辻井伸行くんの共演で、ラヴェルのコンチェルト♪ そして、ビゼーのシンフォニーなど、楽しみ♡ 指揮はミンコフスキ氏にかわって、パスカル•ロフェ氏 Finally going out to Ishikawa Ongakudo. Tonight, Nobuyuki Tsujii kunco-stars with Ensemble Kanazawa, Ravel Concerto, etc., and Symphony of Bizet. Fun. Conductor Mr. Rofe on behalf of Mr. Minkowski. -tweet

本日のメイン。全盲ピアニスト辻井伸行さんのコンサート。この後19時開演です。 #ishikawa #kanazawa #金沢 (@ 石川県立音楽堂 in 金沢市, 石川県) https://www.swarmapp.com/ajim_cvt001/checkin/54101948498ed6c1df1224e3?s=Ici3SDcfPVOYLBZGDdNlIkGG2yY&ref=tw… Today's main event. concert of the blind pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii. It is at 19:00 pm. -tweet

image via Internet link

-オーケストラ・アンサンブル金沢の定期コンサート、今夜のピアノは全盲のピアニスト・辻井伸行氏。チケットは随分前に完売。知ってたら行きたかった・・・ 2014.9.10 #金沢 - Regular concert of the Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa. Tonight featuring blind pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii. Tickets sold out long ago. I had wanted to go. -tweet

今夜のOEK定期公演はピアニスト辻井伸行くんとの共演。ラベェルのピアノ協奏曲の後アンコール曲を2曲も演奏してくれる！ OEK regular performance tonight with pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii-kun. Two songs played for encore after the Piano Concerto! -tweet

なんも知らされず現場行ったら辻井伸行さんのピアノを聴けてよかったのだ Once I made it to the unfamiliar venue, it was nice to hear the piano of Nobuyuki Tsujii. -tweet

今日は、辻井伸行氏出演のOEKのコンサートに来た！期待にたがわぬ素晴らしい演奏だったよ！辻井氏の音色には、ラヴェルが合うわー。 http://p.twipple.jp/z3kom Today, I came to the concert of OEK starring Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii! It was a great performance as to be expected. Wow, In the case of Ravel, the tone of Mr. Tsujii really fits! -tweet

辻井伸行氏のラヴェルピアコン聴いてきました〜( ´▽｀) We have heard the Ravel of Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii. -tweet

パルカル・ロフェ指揮OEKによるフランス音楽特集。辻井伸行さんの熱くなり過ぎないラヴェルのピアノ協奏曲をはじめ，どの作品も曲想にぴったりの気持ちの良い演奏。#oekjp http://bit.ly/1lVHk2T The French conductor Pascal Rofe conducted the OEK. Starting with the piano concerts of Ravel by Nobuyuki Tsujii, who did not play it with excessive heat, a good feeling and perfect fit of the mood of the works. [translation of blog post, a review, to come] -- -tweet posted by @ Oekfan

OEK tweeted at 11PM:
シーズン最初の定期公演を、満席のお客様にご来場いただき、誠にありがとうございました。今日が初日ですから、明日の東京、明後日の高崎と更に良くなるに違いありません！どうぞお楽しみに！ http://www.bunkamura.co.jp/orchard/lineup/kashi/20140911.html… http://www.takasakiongakusai.jp/concert/main.html #tsujii

… First Regular performances of the season was a full house. Thank you very much.
Today was the first day; Tokyo tomorrow, and Takasaki of the day after tomorrow!
Please look forward to!

http://oekfan.air-nifty.com/news/2014/09/oekoekjp-62dc.htm l [OEKfan blog]

014/09/10
パルカル・ロフェ指揮OEKによるフランス音楽特集。辻井伸行さんの熱くなり過ぎないラヴェルのピアノ協奏曲をはじめ，どの作品も曲想にぴったりの気持ちの良い演奏。#oekjp

OEKの新シーズン最初の定期公演フィルハーモニー・シリーズを聞いてきました。当初の予定ではマルク・ミンコフスキさんの指揮の予定でしたが，急病によりパスカル・ロフェさんに変更になりました。実はマルク・ミンコフスキさんは，今回の公演からOEKのプリンシパル・ゲストコンダクターに就任することが決まっており，おそらく，今回はその「お披露目」をする「サプライズ公演」になるはずだったのだと思います。ファンとしても主催者側としても大変残念でしたが，それを補うように人気ピアニストの辻井伸行さんが登場しましたので，会場はほぼ満席でした。

最初に演奏されたフォーレの「ペレアスとメリザンド」組曲は，気持ちよく流れるように演奏されました。ロフェさんの指揮ぶりは，かなりエネルギッシュで，気持ちの良い推進力を生んでいました。有名なシチリアーノでの工藤重典さんの輝きのある音色も印象的でした。

続いて，辻井さんとの共演でラヴェルのピアノ協奏曲が演奏されました。辻井さんがこの曲を演奏するのは今回が初めてとのことでしたが，どんなパッセージでも平然と美しい音で，そして全く熱くならずに演奏する感じが曲想にあっていると思いました。特に第2楽章では，「子供のような純粋さ」でシンプルな音楽をしっかり聞かせてくれました。OEKの方は，おもちゃ箱をひっくり返したような曲想そのまんま（テンポがかなり速かったので，演奏は大変そうでしたが）の演奏を聞かせてくれました。

アンコールでは，ラヴェルの作品が2曲演奏されました。ここでも全く感情的にならず，ラヴェルのピアノ曲ならではの精緻な曲想を鮮やかに聞かせてくれました。

後半はラヴェルの「亡き王女のためのパヴァーヌ」の管弦楽版で始まりました。冒頭部分のホルンの音がちょっと外れてしまったのが残念でしたが，軽やかに流れる弦楽の響きなど，涼しげな感触のある演奏はOEKならではだと思いました。

最後に演奏されたビゼーの交響曲もOEKが得意としている曲です。第1楽章は古典派の交響曲を聞くような，バランス良く引き締まった響きを聞かせてくれました。第2楽章では加納さんのオーボエがお見事でした。終演後「オーボエの息が長かったねぇ」「素晴らしかった」と語りあっている奥様方がいらっしゃいましたが，本当にそのとおりでした。

第3楽章もたっぷりと伸びやかに演奏された後，第4楽章は対照的に軽やかに駆け抜けていくような演奏を聞かせてくれました。サイモン・ブレンディスさんを中心とした第1ヴァイオリンの名人芸が素晴らしく，この楽章はこうでなくてはという爽快感を感じました。
ロフェさんは急遽OEKを指揮することになったのですが，どの曲からも前向きな気分が強く感じられ，OEKから明るく健康的な響きを引き出していたと思います。特に最後のビゼーは，曲想にぴったりの見事な演奏だったと思います。

今後，東京と高崎でもロフェ/OEKと辻井さんの公演が行われますので，お近くの方はお聞きになってみてください（とはいえ，既にチケットは完売かもしれませんね）。

The French conductor Pascal Rofe conducted the OEK. Starting with the piano concerts of Ravel by Nobuyuki Tsujii, who did not play it with excessive heat, a good feeling and perfect fit of the mood of the works.

We have heard the first regular performance in the subscription series of the new season of OEK. It was originally to be directed by Marc Minkowski, but it was changed to Pascal Rofe due to Minkowski's sudden illness. In fact, I believe that it has been decided that he [Minkowski] is to serve as principal guest conductor of OEK, and this performances was supposed to be his "debut" and a "surprise performance". It was very disappointing to the organizers as well as to the fans, but the popularity of pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii appeared to have saved the day; the venue was mostly full.

Piano Concerto by Ravel was performed co-starring with Tsujii. This was the first time that Mr. Tsujii performed this work. It was a beautiful sound played impassively, without excessive enthusiasm, that I thought was fitting for the mood of the work. In the second movement, in particular, the music was unwaveringlyclean, "pure as a child's". With the OEK, the playing was as if the toy box has been tipped (the tempo was very fast) ...
In the encore, two works of Ravel was played. And they were also not played emotionally, as befits the unique and vividly elaborate music of Ravel

The second half began with the orchestral version of "Pavane for a Dead Princess" by Ravel. I thought it was a shame that the sound of the horn at the beginning came off a little, but the sound of the strings flowed lightly, playing with a cool feel unique to the OEK.
...
Rofe stepped in hurriedly to lead the OEK, but I think a positive mood is felt strongly in every work; a bright and healthy sound had been pulled out from the OEK. I think the last work, the Bizet, was a stunning performance of perfect nuances especially.

Future performances of Rofe/OEK/Tsujii will take place in Tokyo and Takasaki (although tickets might be sold out already.)

http://8moo.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2014/09/post-a73c.html

2014/09/10
辻井伸行
今日は早くに行き、余裕でホワイエでのプレ演奏を cafe 片手に notes
弦楽四重奏で、ドヴュッシーの〔月の光〕
秋を謳うか珍しくシャンソンの曲を二つ
P・ルイギの〔バラ色の人生〕と J・コズマの〔枯れ葉〕

指揮者マルク・ミンコフスキが病気の為パスカル・ロフェの指揮で
OEK３５４回定期公演　note
フォーレの　「ペレアスとメリザンド」で開演
二曲目、ラヴェルのピアノ協奏曲は辻井伸行さんで
辻井さんはアンコール曲を二つ
ラヴェルの〔水の戯れ〕　ソナチネより第三楽章
...
Nobuyuki Tsujii
...
Pascal Rofe conducts in place of Marc Minkowski due to illness, according to
OEK 354th regular performances note
Curtain opened with Faurd's "Pelléas Pereasu".
Then it was Nobuyuki Tsujii's Piano Concerto in Dby Ravel
Tsujii played two encores: Ravel's "Water Play" and the third movement of Ravel's Sonatine.

September 10
Intriguing news: The OEK Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa just announced that Marc Minkowski has been appointed the orchestra's principal guest conductor effective immediately.
Minkowski could not make it to the Ravel performances with Nobu and was substituted at the last minute by Pascal Rophé. In the announcement, it is said " The regular performance in Japan of this time has been postponed because of a sudden illness. He commented that he was "very sorry to customers who had make themselves looking forward to it." Please look forward to his next performance in December 2015 [! exclamation mine].

September 10
Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa @ Oekjp tweeted at 11AM Japan time

おはようございます！第３５４回定期公演当日となりました。出演者は只今ドレスリハーサルにて最後のチェック中です。当初は完売のご案内をしておりましたが、30席ほど当日券を販売できることになりました。17:30販売開始です。 http://www.orchestra-ensemble-kanazawa.jp/concert/2014/09/354.html Good morning !! Today is the 354th subscription of performance. Cast has checked in for the final dress rehearsal right now. It had been announced sold out initially, but now there are day tickets for about 30 seats available, to come on sale at 17:30.

September 9
Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa @ Oekjp tweeted at 8PM Japan time

オーケストラ・アンサンブル金沢 ‏@oekjp 4h
辻井伸行さん『僕はOEKと同じ25歳。25歳の始まりをアシュケナージさんとOEKの共演で過ごし、25歳の終わりをまた、OEK、ロフェさんと共に、初めてのラヴェルで迎えようとしています。とても楽しみです。』
Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii said: "I am 25-year old, the same as the OEK. But I am ending my 25th year with the OEK, along with Mr. Rofe; we are about to explore the Ravel repertoire for the first time. I am very excited. "

Nobu celebrates his 26th birthday on September 13, the day after the last of 3 Ravel performances with the orchestra.

Posted on the OEK facebook page

明晩は、今シーズン最初の定期公演。仏ロワール管音楽監督パスカル・ロフェ、ラヴェル初披露となる辻井伸行の両氏とともにフランスプログラムです。僅かながら当日券を17:30より販売いたします。ぜひ！
[第354回定期公演フィルハーモニーシリーズ]
2014年9月10日(水)19:00開演　石川県立音楽堂コンサートホール
パスカル・ロフェ（指揮）
辻井伸行（ピアノ）
フォーレ：ペレアスとメリザンド
ラヴェル：ピアノ協奏曲ト長調
ラヴェル：亡き王女のためのパヴァーヌ
ビゼー：交響曲ハ長調

Tomorrow evening will mark the beginning of the season's regular performances. It is a debut performance of Ravel works with French conductor Pascal Rophé and Nobuyuki Tsujii. Small number of tickets will be sold from 17:30 on the day.
The program is
Faure: Pelléas Pereasu
Ravel: Piano Concerto in G major
Ravel: Pavane for a dead princess
Bizet: Symphony in C major

http://tumugi.tblog.jp/?eid=322189

014.09.11 Thursday
OEK＆辻井伸行
昨夜は久しぶりにＯＥＫの定期演奏会に行ってきました。
オーケストラアンサンブル金沢は今年で創立２５周年。発足した頃はまだ学生だったことを思うと、いつの間にかそんなにも経ったのかとびっくりです。
９月から新しい１年がスタートということで、昨夜はその１回目の公演。パスカル・ロフェと辻井伸行を招いての公演でした。
この日の演目は
１部
フォーレ　組曲「ペレアスとメリザンド」
ラヴェル　ピアノ協奏曲ト長調
２部
ラヴェル　亡き王女のためのパヴァーヌ
ビゼー　交響曲ハ長調

指揮：パスカル・ロフェ　オーケストラアンサンブル金沢

...
さて、今回の目玉は何と言っても辻井伸行。チケットも早々に完売したようで、客席もほぼ満員でした。
彼のピアノは以前、ＣＤで聴いたのみ。その時は、特に大きな感動を受けるといったことはなく、単に上手いなーという印象だったため、生で聴くとどんな感じなんだろう？　と思っていたのですが。
百聞は一見に如かずというか、生で聴いた方が断然よく素晴らしかったです。
音が本当に柔らかくて丸く。優しい音色がラヴェルにぴったり。何て素敵な演奏をするんだろう、とうっとり聴き入ってしまいました。
とても繊細なのに弱音でも決して小さ過ぎることはなく、力強さもあるけれど、激しく叩くといった感じではなく。あれだけの難曲でメロディーはしっかり聴かせてくれて、ごちゃごちゃした感じがまるでなく。
日本人離れしたというか、弱音が本当に綺麗で心で弾くってこういうことを言うのかな？　と思ってしまいました。
コールアングレ、オーボエのソロも見事で２楽章が特に圧巻でした。
アンコールはラヴェルの「水の戯れ」と「ソナチネより３楽章」の２曲。
これもどちらも優雅な激しさで素敵でした。贅沢を言えば、全てラヴェルではなく、１曲はドビュッシーでも聴いてみたかったな。
亡き王女のためのパヴァーヌは大好きな１曲。木管と弦のアンサンブルが美しく。しっとり聴かせてくれました。ホルン、かなり奮闘していましたが、冒頭の見せ場はもう少しだけ頑張ってほしかったな。
...
フランスづくしなとても素敵な一夜をありがとう！
OEK & Nobuyuki Tsujii
Last night, I went to the season's first regular concert of OEK . This year is the 25th anniversary of Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa.   When I think that I was still a student when the orchestra was launched, it is surprising how time has passed.
By a new year has started, and performances of the first time last night. It was a performance with guests   Nobuyuki Tsujii and Pascal Rofe.
Repertoire of this day
Part 1
Faure "Pelléas Pereasu" Suite
Ravel Piano Concerto in G major
Part 2
Ravel Pavane for a Dead Princess
Bizet Symphony in C major
Conductor: Pascal Rofe   Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa
....
Well, the centerpiece of this time was Nobuyuki Tsujii. Ticket also seemed to have sold out early; the venue was also nearly packed.
Previously, only listened to a CD of his piano. At that time I didn't receive a big impression in particular, and simply called it good. But I had wondered how it would be to listen to him live.
Well, listening live was worth a thousand words, it was far superior.
The round sound is really soft.
Friendly tone is perfect for Ravel.
I listened entranced; the nice playing was a wonder.
It was very delicate yet not tiny and never whiny.
There was also strength but no striking violently.
The melody can be heard firmly, without any messy feeling.
I wonder, outside Japan do you hear this kind of muted sound played with such a clean heart?
The second movement was the best part especially, and the solo oboe also superb.
Encore of two songs, "the third movement from Sonatine" and "water play" by Ravel. Both were played with a nice elegant intensity. Speaking of luxury, I wish I could listen to at least one Debussy work besides all Ravel.
... Thank you for a very nice night of French music !

http://www.ne.jp/asahi/t-sutani/homepage/140910.htm

9月10日オ－ケストラ・アンサンブル金沢第354回定期公演PH
指揮：パスカル・ロフェ、ピアノ：辻井伸行
石川県立音楽堂コンサートホール
酢谷琢磨
　マルク・ミンコフスキ・マエストロ病気の為パスカル・ロフェ・マエストロと辻井伸行さんの共演である。辻井伸行さんとオ－ケストラ・アンサンブル金沢とはアシュケナージ・マエストロ指揮で聞いた。しかし、今回辻井伸行さんはラベルを初めて弾くらしい。これに期待して石川県立音楽堂へ出掛けた。
　２曲目は、辻井伸行さん登場のラヴェル：ピアノ協奏曲。第１楽章Allegramenteは、ムチで開始。序奏の後辻井伸行さんのピアノが始まる。彼はラベルも上手い。第２楽章Adagio assaiは、長いピアノ独奏で開始。彼はピアノを「コロコロ」と転がすアルペジオ奏法が得意で、非常に綺麗である。フルートとのDuo、オーボエとのDuoを挟み多彩。 Attacca気味に第３楽章Presto。走りっぱなしではなく緩の部分も含み、ジャズっぽい華麗な演奏を披露し、終了。これまで聞いたラヴェル：ピアノ協奏曲の中で、フランス的洒脱さNo. 1の演奏であった。アンコール１曲目はラヴェル：「水の戯れ」。２曲目はラヴェル：ソナチネ第３楽章。「水の戯れ」は少々音量が大き過ぎたが、いずれも熱演であった。
September 10 Oh - orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa 354 times the first regular performances PH
Conductor: Pascal Rofe, piano: Nobuyuki Tsujii
Ishikawa Ongakudo Concert Hall
Stannyl Takuma
The program co-stars Nobuyuki Tsujii and Mr. Pascal Rofe, the maestro stepped in for Maestro Marc Minkowski Maestro who has taken ill. I heard Nobuyuki Tsujii perform with Maestro Ashkenazy and the OEK last year. However, the Ravel program seems to be tthe first time for Nobuyuki Tsujii. I went to Ishikawa Prefectural Music Hall looking forwad to that ...
The second work, Nobuyuki Tsujii came on stage: Ravel's Piano Concerto. First movement started with a whip. Nobuyuki Tsujii's piano began after the intro. He is good at Ravel. The second movement Adagio started with a long piano solo. He is especially good at arpeggio playing and rolling on the piano, played very clean. Colorful duet with tje flute, duet with the oboe. The third movement Presto. Also includes part of the gradual rather than rapid run, showing off a jazzy bravura jazzy at the end . As for the Ravel concerto, it was the most sophisticated performance I have heard so far.
Encores: first song Ravel's "play of water." The second song is Ravel'sSonatine third movement. Volume is a little too large for "jeux d'eau", but both were played enthusiastically...

------------------
http://mchamuel.livedoor.biz/archives/2001839.html
2014年09月11日17:04
辻井伸行とオーケストラアンサンブル金沢
昨日はすずさんと
辻井伸行とオーケストラアンサンブル金沢のコンサートに
行ってきました
もちろん
オーケストラアンサンブル金沢の演奏も
好きで行ってるのですが
お目当てはやはり辻井さんのピアノ。
演奏の合間にみられた
とっても無邪気でかわいらしくもあり
純粋な方という印象。
一生懸命さが伝わってくるものって
見ていてとっても気持ちがいいもんですね。
一度辻井伸行さんのピアノをきいてみたかったの
行けてよかったです
September 11, 2013 17:04
Yesterday, Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa and Nobuyuki Tsujii
Concert orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa and Nobuyuki Tsujii
I went of course to also support orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa
Although I was there for my love of the piano of Mr. Tsujii again.
Seen between playing
He is very innocent and lovable
Impression even more pure.
I thing that is work hard comes through
It is mon good is feeling very to watch.
And wanted to listen to piano Nobuyuki Tsujii's once
It was good to be there.

image via Internet link
http://ameblo.jp/develop601/entry-11923207951.html
再び、辻井伸行を聴きに
2014-09-12 08:00:00
約１年前、オーケストラアンサンブル金沢の定期公演で、辻井伸行の演奏を聴きに行った。
そして、今年もチケットが手に入ったので再び聴きに行った。
指揮者マルク・ミンコフスキが病気で来日不能になり、パスカル・ロフェが代役となった。
パスカル・ロフェは国際指揮者コンクールで優勝したこともあり、現在はフランス国立ロワール管弦楽団音楽監督を務める。
ラヴェルのピアノ協奏曲、等数曲辻井伸行の演奏が聴けた。
指揮者のパスカル・ロフェとのコンビもよく、チョッとユーモラスな感じもあり好感を持った演奏会だった。
田舎に住んでいると、そんなに機会も多くないので「石川県音楽堂コンサートホール」へ出向くのもイイ。
Again, listening to listen Nobuyuki Tsujii
About 1 year ago, in the regular performance of the Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa, I went to listen to the performance of Nobuyuki Tsujii.
Then, I went to listen again ticket so went into the hands this year.
Conductor Marc Minkowski could not travel to Japan, due to illness, Pascal Rofe stepped in.
Pascal Rofe won the International Conducting Competition , and is now the music director of the French National Loire Orchestra .
I listened to performances of the Ravel Piano Concerto and a few songs by Nobuyuki Tsujii.
Combination with Pascal Rofe conductor was also good,
It was a concert that had a good feeling there is also a feeling of good humor.
As someone who lives in the countryside, there are not many opportunites to visit the "Ishikawa Ongakudo Concert Hall" ...

http://8moo.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2014/09/post-a73c.html

2014/09/10
辻井伸行
今日は早くに行き、ホワイエでのプレ演奏を cafe 片手に余裕で notes
弦楽四重奏で、ドビュッシーの〔月の光〕
秋を謳うか珍しくシャンソンの曲を二つ
P ・ルイギの〔バラ色の人生〕と J ・コズマの〔枯れ葉〕
指揮者マルク・ミンコフスキが病気の為パスカル・ロフェの指揮で
OEK３５４回定期公演　note
フォーレの　「ペレアスとメリザンド」で開演
二曲目、ラヴェルのピアノ協奏曲は辻井伸行さんで
辻井さんはアンコール曲を二つ
ラヴェルの〔水の戯れ〕　とソナチネより第三楽章
　　　　　　　　　　　　　休憩
...
盲目の辻井伸行さんもそうだが、音に関しての脳みその働きと言うのは不思議
アンコールにペレアスとメリザンドの三楽章シチリエンヌ
...

Nobuyuki Tsujii
I went early today, and read the program notes in the cafe in the foyer
A string quartet played [moonlight] Debussy and two songs about fall
...
Conductor is Pascal Rofe sustituting for ailing Marc Minkowsky.
OEK354 times regular performances note
Curtain raises with Faure's "Pelléas Pereasu"
in Nobuyuki Tsujii's Piano Concerto in D music by Ravel
Tsujii's two encore
Jeux d'eau and third movement from Ravel Sonatine
Break
...
Nobuyuki Tsujii's blindness, but also so,
To say the workings of the brain with respect to sound is mysterious
...

-----------------
September 3 There is a Change in Conductor for Nobuyuki Tsujii & the OEK.
September 8 According to Mr. Nick Asano, Nobu's manager, Nobu is in Kanazawa today, "Rehearsal for Ravel Piano Concerto is starting today. This has been on Nobu's 'Wish List', so he is very much excited
September 8/9 Tweeted by the OEK at about 2PM September 9 Japan time

今シーズン最初の定期公演はいよいよ明日。残念ながらミンコフスキの来日は病気で叶いませんでしたが、同じくフランスからのパスカル・ロフェ氏が、しっかりとオケをまとめています。ただいま辻井伸行さんとラヴェルのリハ。2楽章、美しいです。 First regular performance of the season tomorrow. Mr. Minkowkski did not make it to Japan, unfortunately, due to illness, but the orchestra is in the firm hands of Mr. Pascal Rofe from France. Rehearsal of Ravel with Nobuyuki Tsujii right now. The second movement, very beautiful.

image via Internet link
*********************************************************

September 3
A "Change in Conductor"notice was posted by Avex Classics announcing that due to health issue, conductor Marc Minkowskiwithdrew from the engagements, replaced by Pascal Rophé.

Pascal Rophé,image via Internet link

September 5

来週は東京。初日の夜は辻井伸行さんのピアノを聴きにオーチャードホールへ。今回はラヴェル。To Tokyo next week. On the first night I will be at the Orchard Hall to listen to the piano of Nobuyuki Tsujii. Ravel this time. -tweet by someone in Hokkaido

Concert poster, image via Internet link

Related article:
Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Ravel
A Change in Conductor for Nobuyuki Tsujii & the OEK

↧

A Change in Conductor for Nobuyuki Tsujii & the OEK

September 5, 2014, 10:24 pm

≫ Next: Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii -- more solo + concerto please!

≪ Previous: Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Ravel with the OEK, September 2014

by M. L. Liu, the Unofficial Website for International Fans of Nobuyuki Tsujii

Concert poster, image via Internet link - showing photo of conductor Marc Minkowski

Although I will not be physically in Japan to enjoy them, I am looking forward to Nobu playing Ravel with the Oorchestra Ensemble Kanazawa on September 10-12 in Kanazawa, Tokyo and Gunma. The first two shows have been sold out for months, but the Gunma show was added only recently and still have seats available.

In the Tokyo performance, Nobu is scheduled to open the concert by performing solo Ravel pieces Jeux d'e au, Pavene for a dead princess and Sonatine, making it a very luxurious program for Nobu fans, especially those who are into impressionistic music.

Behind the scenes, however, things might be a little chaotic. On September 3 -- just one week before the first performance, an urgent "Change in Conductor"notice was posted by Avex Classics announcing that, due to health issue, conductor Marc Minkowskihad withdrawn from the engagements, to be replaced by Pascal Rophé. A last-minute change in conductor like that is calamitous to an orchestra.

With all due respect, I admit that I had never heard of either of these two conductors. According to information on the web, Minkowski is the director of Les Musiciens du Louvre Grenoble and appeared in the "prestigious"Verbier Festival in 2010 and again this summer. He is also slated to perform in a concert to open the annual Mozart Week festival in Salzburg next year.

Pascal Rophé seems the more obscure of the two. Like Minkowski, he too is associated with a local orchestra in France. According to his management company, Kajimoto Concert Management (which happens to be Japan-based and manages the Japan performances of Yuja Wang and Haochen Zhang): "Pascal Rophé has recently been named Music Director of the Orchestre national des Pays de la Loire, effective from the 2014-15 season, prior to which he will act as Music Director Designate commencing in October 2013."

This is just pure speculation on my part, but I hope that Minkowski's pull-out is not a snub on Nobu. According to a posting on Les Musiciens du Louvre Grenoble, as well as a posting on the conductor's facebook page, the maestro seems to have appeared in a Bach performance on September 3 with the orchestra, and is scheduled to perform again on September 21st. I hasten to add that it is entirely possible that his ailment (reportedly recurrentthrombophlebitis, an infection on the leg) keeps Minkowski from traveling abroad.

My suspicious mind wonders if Minkowski's perceived prestige might have risen somewhat since he signed with Avex/OEK to perform with Nobu in Japan. Initially, there were only two performances; a third one was added only recently. I had thought that it's a long trip for a French/American conductor to do just two shows in Japan. Nor was he exactly given top billing. The Tokyo performance, in particular, is titled as 辻井伸行　ラヴェルを弾く! (Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Ravel), which I thought was a little discourteous to the conductor. What's more, Nobu is to play three solo Ravel pieces prior to the concerto performance, making the conductor's role secondary in the first half of the concert.

The "Change in Conductor"noticeemphasizes that the soloist as well as concert program remain unchanged, but patrons may return their concert tickets if they are negatively affected by the change. My sense is that very few, if any, in Japan would demand refund for Minkowski's absence; the Tokyo and Kanazawa shows continue to be labelled as SOLD-OUT on Nobu's website.

Now, this is complete speculation, but I believe Nobu was snubbed by a conductor once before, and I witnessed it. In January 2013 in Seattle, Nobu was to perform Tchaikovsky's Piano Concerto No. 1 with the Seattle Symphony Orchestra and their chief conductor Ludovic Morlot. Morlot did not show up for the rehearsal on the day before the performance, as he was conducting in Los Angeles instead. And although he was back in Seattle on the day of the performance, he did not perform in the concert, citing illness and relegating the baton to young associate conductor Stilian Kirov instead.

Associate conductor Stilian Kirov and Nobu in Seattle, January 2013

Earlier this year, I came across a China Daily article that shows a photo of Ludovic Morlot with Haochen Zhang, Nobu's Cliburn co-winner who hails from Mainland China. Mr. Zhang performed in Seattle this year in the same event ("Celebrate Asia!") but with a Chinese conductor. Yet, unlike last year, the maestro made time this year for the event and to hobnob with the soloist. I wonder, I just wonder: could it have anything to do with the lure of the potentially lucrative market in China?

I am not an insider in the music business, so this is just a hunch. My sense is that a conductor generally doesn't really care who the soloist is. Oh, they may be more differential to a Evgeny Kissin or Martha Argerich, but otherwise it makes little difference to them who is at the piano. (Nobu is a special case -- a conductor must accommodate his blindness and of course, as we know, he is special.)

On the other hand, in the arcane system of classical music in U.S. and Europe, a soloist does have to be invited by a conductor to get to perform with an orchestra. I have read claims that Lang Lang cannot possibly be that bad a pianist because why else would he be getting invitations from so many big-name conductors and orchestras. Dare I say that these invitations perhaps have more to do with Mr. Lang's (inexplicable) ability to sell out concert halls AND/OR business ties between conductor/orchestra and the soloist (such as sharing record label or talent agency). The same goes for Yuja Wang getting invitations from Charles Dutoit, Esa-Pekka Salonen, etc.

I think the arrangement may be different for Nobu in Japan. I believe his performances with foreign conductors in Japan are arranged by his record label, Avex Classic. If so, then it is the conductor who is invited by the soloist -- divine justice as far as I am concerned!

In any case, I am confident that Nobu will carry on superbly regardless of the abrupt change in conductor. Ravel's music really is right up Nobu's alley -- he should do well. I envy those who will be at the evening concert in Tokyo's Bunkamura Orchard Hall on the 11th.

Bunkamura Orchard Hall, image via Internet link

CODA
September 10 Intriguing news: The OEK Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa just announced that Marc Minkowski has been appointed the orchestra's principal guest conductor effective immediately.
Minkowski could not make it to the Ravel performances with Nobu and was substituted at the last minute by Pascal Rophé. In the announcement, it is said " The regular performance in Japan of this time has been postponed because of a sudden illness. He commented that he was "very sorry to customers who had make themselves looking forward to it." Please look forward to his next performance in December 2015 [!].

And this was posted on the facebook page of Marc Minkowski Marc Minkowski

Dear japanese (sic) Friends,

Due to minor health problems, I was prohibited by my doctor from travelling on a long-haul flight and was unfortunately forced to cancel the concert tour with OEK this week.

Be that as it may, I'm planning to be back with Kanazawa Orchestra and Tokyo Metropolitan Orchestra very soon !

Yours,
Marc Minkowski

↧

Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii -- more solo + concerto please!

September 15, 2014, 3:57 pm

≫ Next: Nobuyuki Tsujii x OEK review by an OEK fan

≪ Previous: A Change in Conductor for Nobuyuki Tsujii & the OEK

posted by M. L. Liu, owner of International Nobuyuki Tsujii fans site
Related article: Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Ravel with the OEK, September 2014

If I had wings, I would have been in Tokyo's Bunkamura Orchard Hall last Thursday, September 11. It was the middle of three back-to-back performances by Nobu of Ravel's Piano Concerto in G Major, with the OEK (Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa) and conductor Pascal Rophé.

For months, I had been keeping an eye on this particular performance, because I noticed that the program is rather unusual. While details for the other two OEK performances were sketchy, the program for the Tokyo performance was made known early and firmly. Boldly titled 辻井伸行　ラヴェルを弾く! Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Ravel!, the program clearly lists that, in the first half, Nobu was to perform three solo pieces (jeux d'eau, Pavane pour une infante défunte, and sonatine), followed by the Piano Concerto in G Major with the orchestra.

image via Internet link Tweet by Kajimoto Agency

In the other two shows (in Kanazawa and Gunma), Nobu only played the concerto and then one or two solo pieces as encore. The Tokyo concert, on the other hand, showcased Nobu in the entire first half, with Nobu performing 3 solo works at the top and 2 more for encore, while the concerto was performed with the orchestra in between. I immediately recognized this as an ultra luxurious program for Nobu fans. However, I was not sure about the audience's reactions, as Ravel's music with a jazzy blend is not necessary everyone's cup of tea.

But the performancebrought on postings that praised Nobu's performance with such vehemence that I am inclined to believe that this was a performance of a lifetime. Not only did Nobu play the solo works and then the concerto as advertised, but he rounded up the first half with two encores of Debussy's Arabesque I and Ravel's Ondine (form Gaspard de la nuit) I am very sorry that I was not there. And it makes me wonder why concerts with such a format (solo + concerto) is not performed more often.

Orchard Hall Sept. 11 concert program, image via Internet link
I cannot just now put my finger on any recent or upcoming concert with such a format. I have known performances -- usually a blockbuster concert -- featuring two concertos on its program, such as this one at the Hollywood Bowl recently(Yuja Wang performed both Shostakovich's Piano Concerto No. 1 and Prokofiev's piano Concerto No. 1 with the L.A. Phil and Esa Pekka Salonen.) But it is hard to find a program where a pianist performs solo and then with the orchestra -- I think Evgeny Kissin and Lang Lang might have had such concerts.

It seems that it is rare for a soloist to enjoy the luxury of performing solo and then with the orchestra on stage, as Nobu did in Tokyo last Thursday. Personally I think that's a refreshing format and the Tokyo performance proved its popularity with Nobu fans. So why don't we have more of such performances??

This is just a conjecture, but I think it has to do with the arcane structure of classical music business. In the rarefied world of classical music, when a soloist performs -- even a marquee pianist such as Lang Lang -- he is still regarded as a "guest" of the conductor, and he is supposed to be deferential to the director. Now, if Lang Lang were performing with a lesser conductor, then the conductor would probably put up with any antics of Mr. Lang. But when he performs with a Simon Rattle, for example, it is hard to see Maestro Rattle yielding the spotlights to the pianist entirely for his solo performance while he (Rattle) waits patiently in the wings for his own turn to walk on stage. Then too, in Western countries, where orchestra members are protected by labor contracts, performances of such a format may be an issue -- I don't know if that's the case, but I wonder.

However, if you think that the Tokyo Ravel program was luxurious, then let me tell you about a little-known concert that was supposed to take place in Brazil in 2011. That year, in the season announcement of the Orquestra Sinfônica Brasileira (Symphony Orchestra Brazil), as reported in articles such as this one, Nobu was prominently mentioned . I remember reading that Nelson Freire, the famed Brazilian pianist, was instrumental in arranging for Nobu's engagement. And the concert in which Nobu was to appear (on October 29, 2011) has a blockbuster program that you can still see in this old article

29 de outubro - 16h - TMRJ
Nobuyuki Tsujii, piano - estreia brasileira - Vencedor do Concurso Internacional Van Cliburn 2009
Luis Gustavo Petri, regência
"Un sospiro" (Liszt - 200 anos de nascimento)
"Paráfrase sobre Rigoletto" (Liszt - 200 anos de nascimento)
"Concerto para piano nº 21 em Dó maior, K 467" (Mozart)
"Concerto para piano nº 1 em mi menor, Op. 11" (Chopin)
-----
October 29-16h-TMRJ (The Municipal Theatre in Rio de Janeiro)
NobuyukiTsujii, piano -Braziliandebut-Winner of theVanCliburnInternational Competition2009
LuisGustavoPetri, director
"Sospiro Un"(Liszt -200th anniversary)
"Paraphrase onRigoletto"(Liszt )
"Piano Concerto No.21 inC major, K467"(Mozart)
"Piano Concerto No.1 inE minor, Op. 11th"(Chopin)

Two Liszt solo pieces and two piano concertos! Nobu was going to be on stage the whole time! Was that a program to die for or WHAT? My jaws dropped. That program had me drooling.

Even as I made travel arrangements to Rio de Janeiro to attend the concert, I thought deep down that it was too good to be true. And it was. Some time later the concert program was quietly changed on the orchestra's site. If you look at the posting now, you will see that Nobu was replaced by another pianist and the concert program was also changed (no more solos but there were still 2 concertos, though different ones). This concert in Rio would have come soon after Nobu's Carnegie Hall debut recital on November 10 -- perhaps that has something to do with the cancellation. (I later heard from Nobu's manager, Mr. Asano, that the engagement was never agreed upon by him; apparently there was some misunderstanding.)

I don't know if we will ever get to see Nobu in such a blockbuster program as that Brazilian concert that never took place, but I will be the first to buy a ticket for any performance of Nobu that allows him to play solo then with a orchestra. How about Chopin nocturnes then a Chopin concerto? Liszt solo pieces followed by his concerto No. 1? Mozart? Ravel! I am there.

↧

Nobuyuki Tsujii x OEK review by an OEK fan

September 18, 2014, 3:27 pm

≫ Next: Message in a Bottle

≪ Previous: Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii -- more solo + concerto please!

posted by M. L. Liu, owner of International Nobuyuki Tsujii fans site
Related article: Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Ravel with the OEK, 2014

On September 10, 2014, at 19:00, Nobuyuki Tsujii performed in a season opener for the OEK Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa and conductor Pascal Rophé at the orchestra's home venue 石川県立音楽堂 Ishikawa ongakudo (1,560 seats), in Kanazawa, Japan.
Following is a detailed review of the performance, posted by "oekfan" on September 18. Please scroll down to read a rough English translation by me.

Nobu in action on September 10 in Kanazawa -- image posted on Facebook page of the OEK, shown via Internet link

石川県立音楽堂 Ishikawa ongakudo, image via Internet link

公演の立看板 billboard of performance, image via Internet link

‏@oekfan tweeted on September 18:

オーケストラ・アンサンブル金沢第354回定期公演フィルハーモニー・シリーズ（パスカル・ロフェ指揮，辻井伸行（Pf)，9月10日）のレビューをまとめました。#oekjp http://www.oekfan.com/review/2014/0910.htm [I have compiled a review for the OEK's 354th Philharmonic Subscription Concert Series(Pascal Rofe commander, Nobuyuki Tsujii (Pf), September 10)]

http://www.oekfan.com/review/2014/0910.htm
「辻井さんの，熱くなり過ぎずに，平然と充実感を感じさせてくれるような演奏は，まさにラヴェル向きだと感じました。全体的にもう少し「アクの強さ」や「濃さ」がある方が面白味はあると思いますが... 若手ピアニストとしての辻井さんの魅力をストレートに感じさせてくれる演奏だったと思います。｣
オーケストラ・アンサンブル金沢第354回定期公演フィルハーモニー・シリーズ
2014年9月10日（水）19:00～　石川県立音楽堂コンサートホール

1)フォーレ/「ペレアスとメリザンド」組曲
2)ラヴェル/ピアノ協奏曲ト長調
3)(アンコール）ラヴェル/水の戯れ
4)(アンコール）ラヴェル/ソナチネ～
5)ラヴェル/亡き王女のためのパヴァーヌ
6)ビゼー/交響曲ハ長調
7)(アンコール）フォーレ/「ペレアスとメリザンド」組曲～シシリエンヌ
●演奏
パスカル・ロフェ指揮オーケストラ・アンサンブル金沢（コンサートマスター：サイモン・ブレンディス）*1,2,5-7
辻井伸行（ピアノ*2-4）
(2014/09/18)
続いて，辻井伸行さんとの共演でラヴェルのピアノ協奏曲が演奏されました。辻井さんがこの曲を演奏するのは今回が初めてとのことでしたが，どんなパッセージでも平然と美しい音で，そして全く熱くならずに演奏する感じが曲想にあっていると思いました。

第1楽章はバチっというムチの音で始まります。まず，これが本当にピタリと音が合っていたのが素晴らしいと思いました。サラリとやっていましたが，プロの奏者たちによる名人芸という気がしました。ロフェさんの設定した速度は非常に速く，さすがのOEKも演奏するのが大変そうでしたが，その「アタフタ感」がまたこの曲らしいところでもあります。その分，ゆったりと演奏された第2主題とのコントラストがしっかり付けられていました。

個人的には，楽章の途中，ハープの音に続いてホルンが高音が出てくる部分が大好きです。この日の演奏も，曲全体に魔法が掛けられたような気分がよく出ていました。辻井さんのピアノは，この速さに動じず，サラリと演奏していたのがお見事でした。軽やかさと同時に安定感のある演奏でした。

第2楽章の前半は，「ほぼピアノ独奏」ということで辻井さんのピアノの良さがストレートに伝わってきました。「子供のような純粋さ」でシンプルな音楽をしっかり聞かせてくれました。辻井さんの演奏には，ほのかな温かみがあり，いつまでも浸っていたいような安心感のある世界を作っていました。

楽章の途中からはピアノにしっかり寄り添うようにイングリッシュ・ホルンが息の長いメロディを演奏します。この部分の水谷さんの演奏は，親（？）のような視点から暖かく辻井さんを見守っているようでした。その他，第1曲のフォーレ同様，ここでも工藤重典さんのフルートの音が鮮やかに浮き上がっているのが印象的でした。

第3楽章は，第1楽章同様に速いテンポで演奏されました。この楽章でも辻井さんのピアノの指の動きが素晴らしく，焦った感じがないのが凄いと思いました。ただし，この楽章については，もっとアタフタした感じの演奏の方が曲想にはふさわしいかもしれません。

一方，OEKの方は，音が抜けていたり，乱れていたり...という箇所がいくつかあり，その点で，おもちゃ箱をひっくり返したような曲想そのまんまの演奏になっていました。パーフェクトな演奏ではありませんでしたが，ロフェさんの作る勢いの良さが不思議な魅力となっているような演奏だったと思います。

アンコールでは，辻井さんの独奏で，ラヴェルのピアノ曲が2曲演奏されました。今回の辻井さんとOEKによる東京オーチャード・ホールでの公演は，「辻井伸行ラヴェルを弾く！」というタイトルになっており，辻井さんの独奏曲が数曲入っています。ここで演奏された「水の戯れ」と「ソナチネ」の第3楽章はその「さわり」ということになります

アンコールでは，辻井さんの独奏で，ラヴェルのピアノ曲が2曲演奏されました。今回の辻井さんとOEKによる東京オーチャード・ホールでの公演は，「辻井伸行ラヴェルを弾く！」というタイトルになっており，辻井さんの独奏曲が数曲入っています。ここで演奏された「水の戯れ」と「ソナチネ」の第3楽章はその「さわり」ということになります

ここでも全く感情的にならず，ラヴェルのピアノ曲ならではの精緻な曲想を鮮やかに聞かせてくれました。「水の戯れ」は，じっくりとしたテンポでキラキラとした曲想をしっかり表現していました。「ソナチネ」の方も鮮やかだけれでも，熱くならないラヴェルらしさが出ていました。

ラヴェルのピアノ曲については，あまり熱くなりすぎると，聞いている方は逆に覚めてしまうところがあります。辻井さんの，熱くなり過ぎずに，平然と充実感を感じさせてくれるような演奏は，まさにラヴェル向きだと感じました。全体的にもう少し「アクの強さ」や「濃さ」がある方が面白味はあると思いますが，「もうすぐ26歳」（OEKと同じ年というのも何かの因縁ですね）の若手ピアニストとしての辻井さんの魅力をストレートに感じさせてくれる演奏だったと思います。

image via Internet link
(2014/09/18)
Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa the 354th Concert Philharmonic Subscription Series
September 10 Wednesday, 2014: 00 ~ Ishikawa Ongakudo Concert Hall
1) Faure / Suite "Pelléas Pereasu"
2) Ravel / Piano Concerto in G major
3) (Encore) Ravel jeux d'eau
4) (Encore) Ravel / Sonatine
5) Ravel /Pavane for a deceased princess
6) Bizet / Symphony in C major
7) (Encore) Faure / Suite ~ Shishirien'nu "Pelléas Pereasu"
● Performers
Pascal Rofe Conductor
Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa (concert master: Saimon Burendisu) * 1,2,5-7
Nobuyuki Tsujii (piano) * 2-4
------------
Review by site caretaker hs
We have heard the first of the regular performances of the Philharmonic series of 2014/15 new season of the Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa (OEK). In the original plan, it was expected to be under the leadership of Marc Minkowski, but it was changed to Pascal Rofe due to sudden illness. Actually Marc Minkowski had just been appointed the OEK's principal guest conductor and, perhaps, this was supposed to be his "debut" and "surprise performance". I think it was a great pity for not just the fans, but also the organizers. Thankfully, popular pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii was there to compensate for that, and the venue was almost full. [Edit: The OEK tweeted that all seats were sold out.]

Suite "Pelléas Pereasu" of Faure was played to start things off. It was played to flow comfortably. The first time conducting of Mr. Rofe was fairly energetic, a pleasant debut. In the first movement, the sound of horns were distinctive, as heard at a distance. In the second movement the oboe, and in the third movement the sound of the flute and string instruments added colors to a sense of transparency. Wind instruments including the flutes added color to a sense of transparency created by the string instruments . The shiny tone in the Siciliano in the 3rd movement by flautist Mr. Shigenori Kudo was particularly impressive. In the fourth movement, "the death of Pelléas" is funeral music; although it was played carefully, it seems that the darkness eluded the OEK.

After that, Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii appeared to co-perform in the Ravel's piano concerto. I understand that this was the first time that Mr.Tsujii perform this work. His is a beautiful and impassive sound throughout, and I thought that there was a feeling to play without becoming overly enthusiastic.

First movement began with the sound of a whip. I immediately thought that it was a great sound that matched comfortably. Although the music was played lightly, I felt the players were giving a virtuoso performance. The speed set by Rofe was very fast ...

Personally, I love the part in the middle of the movement when the horn played the treble, followed by the sound of the harp. Also, in this day's performance, the magical mood was brought out well. Mr. Tsujii's piano was not at all fazed by the speed ... and was played with a sense of stability and lightness at the same time.

The first half of the second movement was yielded to the piano virtuosity of Mr. Tsujii, almost like a piano solo. To me, the music was firmly straightforward, "pure like a child." There is a subtle warmth in the performance of Mr. Tsujii; it conveys a sense of a world of security that I want to immerse in.

In the middle of the [second] movement, the English horn played a sustained melody to complement tightly with the piano. The playing of this part was by Mr. Mizutani; it was as if he was watching Mr. Tsujii warmly from the point of view of maybe a parent (?). Elsewhere, the flute of Mr. Shigenori Kudo, as in the preceding Faure work, came out vividly.

The third movement was played at a fast tempo much like in the first movement. I thought that the finger works on the piano by Mr. Tsujii was wonderful in this movement, and there was no feeling of impatience. But, for this movement, a hurry-scurried performance may be a better fit for the motif.

On the other hand, on the part of the OEK, some sound seemed to be missing, and there were some places ... that seemed disturbed. At some point, the orchestra's playing felt like the toy box has been tipped. It was not a perfect performance, but a good performance, and I think the momentum created by Mr. Rofe had a magical charm.

In the encore, Mr. Tsujii played solo two Ravel works. In the subsequent OEK performance in Tokyo's Orchard Hall, the title would become "Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Ravel", and a few additional solo works would be performed by Mr. Tsujii. On this day, he played "water play" and the third movement of "Sonatine" as a final "touch".

And again they were played without being emotional at all, suitable for the vividly elaborate motif of the piano music unique to Ravel. "Water play" was glittering; the motif was expressed firmly with a deliberate tempo. The "Sonatine" brought out the vivid quality of Ravel without excessive emotion.

The piano of Ravel, if it is played too passionately, it could rub the listener the wrong way. The playing of Tsujii was not too vehement; it made me feel a sense of impassive fulfillment, and I felt that it was Ravel's intention exactly. I think that perhaps there could have been a more sinister feeling or darkness on the whole, but the playing of the "soon to be 26-year-old" young pianist (of the same age as the OEK, as fate would have it) charmed me completely.
....

Mr. Rofe stepped in hurriedly to take the baton for the OEK this time, but I felt strongly a positive mood from every work. I think he pulled out a bright and healthy sound from the OEK. I think the last Bizet, especially, was a stunning performance of perfect motif.

Currently the music director of the French National Orchestra Loire, Mr. Rofe has also appeared in the La Journee Kanazawa last year. In the wake of the first co-star this time, it is expected that his connection with the OEK will deepen further.
. ..

↧

Message in a Bottle

September 21, 2014, 12:45 am

≫ Next: "Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Liszt" CD -- my take

≪ Previous: Nobuyuki Tsujii x OEK review by an OEK fan

posted by M. L. Liu, owner of International Nobuyuki Tsujii fans site

image via Internet link

UPDATE
October 8 Today's news search came up with this 2008-2009 shareholders' business report of the Avex Group Holdings, Inc, the parent conglomerate of Avex Classics, Nobu's record label. It is of historical interest, as the year of the report came before Nobu's rise in fame in Japan, but he is mentioned as one of the "Artists of the Avex Label" (P. 10), and it is noteworthy that the report starts with this:

The Avex Group’s Medium-Term Vision
To evolve into the “entertainment brand company”
with the strongest creative and communication capabilities in Asia

-------------------------------
A while back, on the occasion of Nobu's 26th birthday, I wrote:

...whatever effort that I have made on his [Nobu's] behalf -- this blog; the Unofficial International Fans Site; the facebook page; postings to twitter -- all these I do happily for no reason other than as a humble attempt to help Tsujii-san to become as successful as he deserves to be.

I have been at it since 2010. It all started with the Unofficial International Fans Site, which I put together when I could not find a website with good information about my new found passion. In my foolish optimism, I thought -- on the principle of "If you build it, they will come" -- the site would soon draw visitors from all over the world and I would hear from many who share my passion for Nobu.

The truth is: I write about Nobu because I want to hear about him and, after spending my efforts to gather what news I could (frequently involving language translation), I want to collect the findings for future reference. I would keep the site going even if no one else reads it.

And another truth: although statistics shows that the site is regularly being visited by hundreds, I have heard back from very few people, and only very rarely from people outside Japan. Sometimes it feels like I am putting messages in a bottle launched into the ocean.

So it was with immense pleasure that this morning I came upon this comment posted to a French web page.

(Translated from French)

Nobuyuki Tsujii has built a brilliant career in Japan and the USA, and has given concerts in Canada. He has also been welcomed in Europe: England, Switzerland, Germany ... He rarely comes to France. He has matured a lot in his playing. He is no longer just a young pianist. The quality of his playing no longer makes you constantly think about his blindness. The attention is now focused more on him and his human qualities. It is regrettable that the choice of works that he interprets does not depend entirely on him. It seems to be driven by his company (Avex) to be ever more virtuosic and emotional -- this probably for financial reasons. You will find an independent website dedicated to him by Google searching "Nobu fans." You will find everything you may desire to know about his future concerts, his CDs and DVDs. Nobu also has a personal website (not very informative) which is found via Google "Nobupiano.")

I was floored. Not only does the commenter graciously mention my labor of love (the website), but it makes me super happy that someone in France is so appreciative of Nobu AND knows so much about his career! It feels as if my messages in a bottle have made it to another shore!

Like me, the French commenter has followed Nobu's career with interest, and, like me, (s)he is feeling a little exasperated. I share the frustration, and have written about it just recently in an article in which I lament that Nobu is not being seen nearly enough outside Japan.

I have given this matter a great deal of thoughts, and feel compelledto share them with this commenter and other fans of Nobu who live outside Japan. The following is written at the risk of alienating my many Japanese readers, for whom I have the greatest respect; and also at the risk of offending Avex Classics. I apologize in advance.

As our astute French commenter pointed out: Nobu has built a brilliant career in Japan. His recitals have consistently sold out quickly, even with marked-up ticket prices; a PIANIST Festival headlined by Nobu has become a hit in just two years; his performances with foreign conductors are marketed in Japan as premium events; his CDs regularly appear on Japan's Billboard classical music chart. I would wager that, in terms of actual tickets and tracks sold, Nobu is right up there with Lang Lang. The difference is that Lang Lang sells out concert halls all over the world, while Nobu's popularity is limited to Japan.

Those of us outside Japan get to see far too little of him. I used to think that it's just a matter of time before Nobu would be performing regularly in our concert halls in the U.S. Yet, judging from his concert schedule for the 2014-15 season, Nobu is, more than ever, performing far more in Japan than overseas.

To understand why, let us take a closer look at the business entity that controls Nobu's career, the Avex Group. According to wikipedia :

Avex became Japan's leading dance record company during the 1990s, and continues producing and recording some of Japan's most famous pop singers ... The company also provides theme music soundtracks ...

As of June this year, Avex Group reportedly has assets of ¥108,135 Mil (~100 million USD) and over 1,400 employees.

Avex Classics is a record label under the Avex Group (a holding company). Nobu is one among dozens on its roster of artists, which includes conductors, performers and composers. Up to about a week ago, Nobu was labelled as a pianist; but when I looked again just now, he is listed as a pianist-composer.

Avex Classics International Inc. was created in 2011 as one of the company's domestic consolidated subsidiaries (14 are listed on this page). When the subsidiary was first formed, Nobu was specifically (and the only artist) cited in the announcement. I had high hopes for Nobu when a London office for this subsidiary was established last year.

I admit that until Nobu came into the picture, I had never heard of Avex, whose marketing prowess is clearly concentrated in Japan and Asia. Why did Nobu sign with Avex? For one thing, his mentor, conductor Yutaka Sado, is a long-time Avex artist. Considering how attached Nobu is to his home country and considering his interest beyond classical music (in composing and in film music), Avex is a good fit for him.

On YouTube there is a curious short video titled "Cliburn Gold Medalist interviewed by WRR 101.1 fm". In the 2009 video, Nobu is asked by an American radio announcer why he decided to participate at the Cliburn Competition. Nobu's answer? It was suggested by his record company. (At the time, Avex had just launched Nobu's CD album début.)

It is entirely possible that Avex has never intended to actively market Nobu outside Japan. Perhaps the Cliburn competition was a publicity stunt for boosting domestic sales that has succeeded beyond Avex's wildest imagination. Even more astonishing is that "Nobu Fever" has taken such hold in Japan. Five years have passed since that triumph and Nobu retains a loyal following in his own country that would be the envy of any classical musician.

Put it bluntly, Nobu's business is so good in Japan that there is simply no need for his management to bother with his performances outside the country, except to do just enough to maintain the prestige of global pianist. This explains a lot. It would account for why Nobu is performing more and more in Japan, and why his CDs have never been actively marketed in Europe/America. It would explain the lack of promotion for Nobu's concerts overseas, the "not very informative"official site, and his even less informative Avex Classicspage. It would explain why Nobu is not encouraged to speak directly to the media overseas; and perhaps -- as our French commenter suspects -- it may explain the choice of the works that Nobu performs. (However, my contacts in Japan are adamant that Nobu is actively involved in the choices of what he performs -- and I tend to agree with them.)

I am happy that Nobu is so cherished in his own country. Nobu is happiest when he is at home. Those of us "overseas" will just have to make special efforts to enjoy his music. Please go to see Nobu perform as much as you can when he tours outside Japan -- it's the least that we can do to show him that we care.

And yet I realize that not everyone outside Japan can spare the resources to travel to see Nobu perform, or to buy his CDs at a premium price. It saddens me. Nobu is more than a treasure in Japan -- he is a treasure for the world.
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Related article:
Nobuyuki Tsujii, the global pianist

↧

"Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Liszt" CD -- my take

September 26, 2014, 3:09 pm

≫ Next: "Touching the Sound" review by Joe Bendel

≪ Previous: Message in a Bottle

M. L. Liu, the Unofficial Website for International Fans of Nobuyuki Tsujii

Related articles
Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Liszt
Nobuyuki Tsujii's Torch Songs

I count my blessings. My copy of "Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Liszt" CD arrived today, after a 3-day journey across the Pacific Ocean.
I think anyone who reads my postings can easily predict my reaction. This is one CD that I will treasure. BUT this disc contains a genuine surprise! Please read on.

The tracks on the CD are these, in order
1.　ラ・カンパネラ La Campanella
2. エステ荘の噴水 The Fountains of the Villa d'Este
3.　イゾルデの愛の死（ワーグナー／リスト編曲）Isode's Liebestod (Wagner/Liszt arrangement)
4.　ペトラルカのソネット第104番 Sonnet of Petrarch No. 104
5. グノーのファウストからのワルツ Gounod 's Waltz from Faust
6.　『愛の夢』第3番 Liebestraum No. 3
7. ハンガリー狂詩曲第6番 Hungarian Rhapsody No 6
8.　ため息 A Sigh
9.　リゴレット・パラフレーズ Rigoletto Paraphrase
　辻井伸行（ピアノ） Nobuyuki Tsujii (pianist)
　録音時期：2014年5月13,16,17日（1-7）、2010年5月6,7日（8,9）
　録音場所：ベルリン、テルデックス・スタジオ
　録音方式：ステレオ（デジタル／セッション)
Recording time: 2014 May 13, 16, 17 (tracks 1-7); 2010 May 6&7 (tracks 8&9)
Recording place: Berlin Teldex Studio
Recording system: stereo (digital / session)
All tracks were recorded at the Teldex Studio in Berlin.
You can sample the tracks here - take a listen to track #4 (ペトラルカのソネット第104番 Sonnet of Petrarch No. 104) and see if it doesn't melt your heart! (See Nobuyuki Tsujii's Torch Songs )
--------------------
Having heard Nobu's 2013/14 Chopin/Liszt recital program live in Germany last May, I looked forward to listening to this studio-recorded album. I own all of Nobu's CDs recorded at Teldex, and assumed that I had already heard all of the tracks.

It wasn't until I played this CD that I realized that I had overlooked that track 7 is NOT the Hungarian Rhapsody that we have all heard from Nobu, but Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6, which I don't believe we had heard Nobu perform in public before! [Nobu fan Yuko just wrote: "Nobu played Hungarian Rhapsody no.6 at Mt.Fuji Kawaguchiko music festival last year."]This is one of Liszt's 19 Hungarian Rhapsodies, and is not heard anywhere as often as the most famous No. 2. Here is Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6 as performed by Hungarian pianist George Cziffra

What an unexpected pleasure! I like it that Nobu plays a new work for us. And I don't know if Avex Classics chose to include a fresh track on this new album without fanfare, but kudos to the marketing genius.

High-brow critics may find fault with these recordings, but I submit that for the average listener (me!), this disc is a genuine delight. The sound quality is outstanding, as you would expect from Teldex, and the tonality and colors are as rich as heard live, and cleaner. Even the opening track, the La Campanella, sounds fresh. I had most looked forward to track 3 (Isode's Liebestod) and track 4 (Sonnet of Petrarch), and they do not disappoint. Yes, they are sweeping dramatic pieces that drip sentimentality, but Nobu's love for them is obvious and he pours his heart out playing them for us. Track 2 (Fountain) will brighten any home on any day, and track 5 (Faust) is a tour de force of virtuosity. I don't begrudge the reappearance of the last two tracks ("A sigh" and "Rigoletto"); they are as good as they get and they belong in this collection.

Nobu's Liszt has been praised by some critics, such as in this effusive review: "There are moments when this young man could easily take his place alongside legendary Lisztians - the patrician Arrau especially - such is the nobility and breadth of his conception. I always rejoice in the surge and passion of this music, but I can’t remember being as moved by it as I was here."

And I have always felt that Nobu has a quiet swagger that is brought out by Liszt's music. Some people take a dim view of the exaggerated show pieces of the venerable Hungarian composer, but in Nobu's hands, those works have a unique charm to my ears. I only hope that Nobu will stay with the works by Liszt that are more accessible to his audiences.

I think I can honestly say that this is an album that Nobu should be proud of. It will take time to test the durability of my enjoyment of the tracks, but for now I place this album among my favorites of Nobu's recordings, along with last year's Debussy CD and my all-time favorite Chopin Works (live performances from the 2005 Chopin Competition.)
------------------
If you are outside Japan, please note that you can order this CD from Amazon Japan -- the CD price is 3000Y and the shipping via global priority is 1100Y - all together about 40USD, which is less costly than ordering from Amazon U.S.! You do have to open an account with Amazon Japan - which can be done using their English pages and a US credit card. The link to the CD is here: http://amzn.to/1sGO6tq (Sorry, this may only work for those of us in U.S.A.)

image via Internet link

↧

"Touching the Sound" review by Joe Bendel

September 27, 2014, 11:27 am

≫ Next: Nobuyuki Tsujii's Torch Songs

≪ Previous: "Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Liszt" CD -- my take

M. L. Liu, the Unofficial Website for International Fans of Nobuyuki Tsujii

Related articles
Nobuyuki Tsujii "Touching the Sound"
Touching the Sound, My Take
Nobuyuki Tsujii - "Touching the Sound" premiere

On September 27 Saturday 4:00PM "Touching the Sound - The improbable Journey of Nobuyuki Tsujii" by Peter Rosen is screened at the San Diego Film Festival at Arc Light Cinemas, La Jolla, California, U.S.A. Info here. The film is one of 14 entries for the festival's documentary competition. Tickets can be purchased online. Following is a review of the film posted on the Joe Bendel Blog

Arc Light Cinemas, La Joll a, California, image via Internet link
http://jbspins.blogspot.com/2014/09/sdff-14-touching-soundthe-improbable.html

SDFF ’14: Touching the Sound—the Improbable Journey of Nobuyuki Tsujii

Definitely worth spending time with, Touching the Sound screens this today (9/27) as part of this year’s San Diego Film Festival.

We often hear how other senses compensate for lack of sight among the blind. In Tsujii’s case, he developed a Mozart-level musical talent, at an astonishingly young age. It is not just his ear and his mechanics that impress, but also his remarkable memory for long passages of music. Clearly, he was born to play the piano—a fact his supportive mother quickly recognized.

Saturday, September 27, 2014
SDFF ’14: Touching the Sound—the Improbable Journey of Nobuyuki Tsujii

Blind since birth, Japanese classical pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii’s admirers even included the late great Van Cliburn, who heard the young musician during the international competition that bears his name. It is therefore probably safe to conclude Tsujii acquitted himself quite well in Fort Worth. Viewers will follow his progress round-by-round and even more importantly watch Tsujii give back to the survivors of the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Peter Rosen’s Touching the Sound: the Improbable Journey of Nobuyuki Tsujii (trailer here), which screens today during the 2014 San Diego Film Festival.

We often hear how other senses compensate for lack of sight among the blind. In Tsujii’s case, he developed a Mozart-level musical talent, at an astonishingly young age. It is not just his ear and his mechanics that impress, but also his remarkable memory for long passages of music. Clearly, he was born to play the piano—a fact his supportive mother quickly recognized.

Indeed, Tsujii’s mother is a central and edifying figure in his story. However, it is worth noting the extent to which his fellow students also accepted Tsujii, despite his differences. In fact, Rosen shrewdly recognizes one of the pivotal stories of his early career revolves around his mother’s decision to allow him to attend a class camping trip, rather than force him to practice slavishly for an important competition.

Not surprisingly, Rosen’s nicely constructed and surprisingly intimate documentary has absolutely nothing bad to say about Tsujii. At only twenty-four, he has not had much time to do anything scandalous, especially while living the life of an international prodigy. Perhaps the film’s greatest drama involves the Chopin and Cliburn competitions, but the most emotionally resonant sequences capture his special concerts for tsunami survivors. The healing and rebuilding are far from complete, yet in films like Touching we get a sense of the dignity and resiliency of the Japanese people. Nations that have endured far less have demanded far more, considerably less graciously.

Of course, Rosen also documents the fact Tsujii sure can play. Altogether, he is quite a nice young chap, who is particularly gifted expressing the lyrical beauty of his instrument. Definitely worth spending time with, Touching the Sound screens this today (9/27) as part of this year’s San Diego Film Festival.

Labels: Documentary, Nobuyuki Tsujii, SDFF '14

posted by J.B. @ 5:00 AM

↧

Nobuyuki Tsujii's Torch Songs

September 28, 2014, 2:42 pm

≫ Next: The Business of Concert Pianists October 2014

≪ Previous: "Touching the Sound" review by Joe Bendel

posted by M. L. Liu, Unofficial Nobuyuki Tsujii International Fans site

"A torch song is a sentimental love song, typically one in which the singer laments an unrequited or lost love" - wikipedia

Have you heard of Franz Liszt's Années de pèlerinage (French for "Years of Pilgrimage")? It is referred to in the title of the latest novel by popular Japanese writer Haruki Murakami, Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and his years of pilgrimage. The English translation edition of that novel is currently topping charts in the U.S.

Liszt'sAnnées de pèlerinageis a set of three suites for solo piano, each suite representing one year of the composer's "pilgrimage" in Europe when Liszt was in his mid-20's, about the same age as Nobu now. In Murakami's short novel, the title character is fixated on one particular piece: Le mal du pays (Homesickness) from the first suite "Première année: Suisse" ("First Year: Switzerland").

It is interesting that Nobu did not choose to include that particular piece, Le mal du pays, for his 2013/14 Chopin/Liszt recitals -- I imagine that work is being played all over Japan these days. Instead, Nobu chose to play one piece each from the second and the third suites. From the "Deuxième année: Italie" ("Second Year: Italy") suite, Nobu picked one of three pieces based on poems by 14th century Italian poet Petrarch. The piece is Sonetto 104 del Petrarca, which appears as track no. 4 on Nobu's latest CD. And from the "Troisième année" ("Third Year") Nobu chose Les jeux d'eaux à la Villa d'Este (The Fountains of the Villa d'Este), on track 2.

YouTube video Villa d'Este fountains

I have been wearing out my copy of the Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Listz CD. The Fountains of the Villa d'Este, track 2, is wonderfully played by Nobu. It is music right up the alley of Nobu, a master of water play on the keyboard. I love listening to that track. But the two tracks that I had looked forward to the most were Isolde's Liebestod and the Sonnet of Petrarch. As it turns out, it is the Sonetto104 del Petrarca that swept me off my feet.

YouTube video Nobuyuki Tsujii (Nobu) - Wagner/Liszt Liebestod from Tristan und Isolde

Part of it has to do with its relative novelty. Although the work is on the program of Nobu's 2013/14 Chopin/Liszt recitals, his Sonetto has not been heard elsewhere, such as at the recital at the Lourvre last spring (still available for online viewing).

I heard Nobu's Chopin/Liszt recital twice in Germany last May, and was quite taken with the Sonetto each time. It stood out among the other more familiar pieces. But each time it was over all too soon, and afterward I was not able to summon up the melody in my head. I looked, but didn't find too much about the work on the web, or I should say I did not try hard enough.

Now, with the new Nobu CD, I can finally listen to the recording at home as much as I want. There is no denying it: this is the kind of music that is supposed to make women swoon, a sweeping melody hauntingly beautiful that pulls your heart's strings. It is the sort of work perfect for those grand pianos that used to be heard at Nordstrom department stores in this country, and it would not be out of place as background music for some dramatic scene in a Joan Crawford movie. But I still had no idea of what the work is all about.

Horowitz plays Liszt's Sonetto 104 del Petrarca

I looked again, and found a great 2012 post about the work by British pianist Fran Wilson, in her excellent The Cross-Eyed Pianist blog.

The ‘Sonetto 104′ is perhaps the most passionate, agitated and dramatic of the three, based on the Sonnet Pace non trovo(‘I find no peace…..’ ). In it, the poet [Petrarch] ponders the confused state love has put him in. Enthralled to his lady, he feels imprisoned yet free, he burns with love, yet feels he is made of ice: in modern psychological parlance, a true state of ‘limerence’ (a life-altering and passionate love or infatuation for someone, often unrequited). Reading the original text, one has a sense of the protagonist caught in an emotional ‘trap’ of his own making: while wallowing in the contrasting and sometimes painful emotions, he is also enjoying them. Liszt achieves these rapid changes of mood – the ‘highs and lows’ of romantic (and possibly physical) love – with the use of contrasting sections, dramatic, often unexpected, harmonic shifts, declamations, ‘meaningful’ fermatas, and cadenza-like passages. There are moments of calm contemplation, shot through with soaring climaxes and intense agitation, the surprising harmonies emphasising the protagonist’s confused state of mind. The piece ends calmly, with a restatement of the recitative-like opening motif with a languorous coda and some uncertain harmonies before a prayer-like final cadence.

Listening to Nobu's lyrical playing of the piece, I felt as if he is singing to us -- and indeed I now read that these three sonettos were written by Liszt originally for singing, so that explains it. And, taking into consideration what The Cross-Eyed Pianist wrote, I realize now this work is, at heart, a torch song!

Isolde's Liebestod(track no. 3) too is also a torch song. This work is a transcription by Liszt from the dramatic final aria in the opera Tristan und Isolde (composed by Liszt's son-in-law Richard Wagner). In the final scene of that famous opera, the mortally wounded Irish knight, Tristan, dies just as his lover arrives at his side. In the opera, Isolde sings the aria with the fading Tristan cradled in her arms, accompanied by soaring orchestral music. The dramatic music builds up in a tightly-wound crescendo of melodic sequence but gradually unwinds to a calm passage as Isolde envisions their love to be renewed in eternity.

Truth is: I am what Americans call a "sucker" for torch songs -- I fall for the great ones every time. It is a guilty pleasure. I suspect that Nobu, too, is partial to these dramatic love songs. Nobu is a self-proclaimed fan of enka, sentimental Japanese love songs such as Tsugaru Kaikyō Fuyugeshiki (津軽海峡・冬景色 Tsugaru Strait - Winter Scene), which Nobu played and sang happily in his memorable 2011 appearance on the Takeshi Art Beat show, as you can hear here on the soundtrack of this video.

Serious-minded classical music fans look down on torch songs; they are considered syrupy and indulgent. I am not usually inclined to wearing my emotion on my sleeve, and I really much prefer Chopin's quiet poems than Liszt's show pieces. Still, every now and then it does the heart good to be carried off by a good torch song, especially when played on the keyboard by a beloved knight ...

So, carry on the torch, Tsujii-san! Please do indulge us with more swooning music!

Nobu's new album -- image via Internet link

↧

The Business of Concert Pianists October 2014

September 30, 2014, 2:26 pm

≫ Next: Nobuyuki Tsujii in Europe, fall 2014

≪ Previous: Nobuyuki Tsujii's Torch Songs

posted by M. L. Liu, the Unofficial Website for International Fans of Nobuyuki Tsujii
This page will be updated from time to time throughout October 2014.
Latest update: October 30

The business of concert pianists is fiercely competitive, given the small market and the abundant supply of virtuoso pianists. Very little is known about the business of concert pianists. This is one in an ongoing series of monthly articles that I keep to record my findings of how Nobu is doing compared with some other concert pianists, in terms of concert promotion and ticket sales.
Related article: The Business of Concert Pianists September 2014

i mage presented via Internet link

♪ October 30
Trifonov gave a recital on Wednesday last night that, as expected, received a rave review from the Manchester Evening News. Judging from online ticket website, I thought Trifonov's recital was close to sold out - but it turns out that apparently only the ground floor seats were used for the performance, and judging from a Manchester Evening News article, there were only "a few hundred people" in the audience at the Trifonov recital last night.
"He's a name that will be very well known before long. But right now, though his fame is massive in Moscow, Paris and New York, Manchester hasn’t quite caught up: only a few hundred, though highly enthusiastic, listeners greeted the young Russian pianist’s first solo recital at the Bridgewater Hall."
On the other hand, Nobu's concert tomorrow night with the BBC Philharmonicuses all 2000+ seats in the entire hall. I checked and it looks like the turn-out will be excellent although there will be many empty seats in the less desirable sections. The soloist side is practically sold out.
By comparison, a November 15 performance (Chopin 1) by verteran pianist Garrick Ohlsson and chief conductor Juanjo Mena has by far more empty seats, at least as of now.

The jury is still out, but judging from what I have observed, Trifonov is shaping up to be a connoisseurs' pianist. To me, his intensity and aloofness lack charm, and his extreme self-centered virtuosity is only thrilling to those who appreciate such things -- his audience will be limited.

♪ October 29
It is 6PM in U.K. and almost performance time for Daniil Trifonov's recital today in the Bridgewater Hall and it is curious that there remain hundreds of empty seats on the ground floor (stalls) while all other sections have been sold out. My guess is that this has to do with promotional tactics.
Nobu and Yutaka Sado have begun rehearsals with the BBC Philharmonic in Media City, Salford, home of BBC. I guess they will have to wait until Mr. Trifonov's gone before they can start rehearsal in the Bridgewater Hall.
♪ Another tweet from BBC Philharmonic just now: "Now that's a piano practice. Nobuyuki Tsujii @MediaCityUK" - I have to smile to see Nobu in those tomato-colored pants again - obviously a favorite! A good sign of things to come. :-) :-)

image via Internet link♪ Posted on BC Philharmonic Facebook page: Conductor Yutaka Sado relaxing between rehearsals in Salford. Only two days left until THIS: http://www.bbc.co.uk/events/eqjv4f

Tweet from @BBCPhilharmonic: Is there a luckier piano in the world?! Waiting for rehearsals with Nobuyuki Tsujii. http://www.bbc.co.uk/events/eqjv4f

image via Internet link♪ October 27
This Friday October 31 Nobu will perform Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 3 in Bridgewater Hall (2,400 seats), Manchester, U.K.with conductor Yutaka Sado and the BBC Philharmonic. Tickets have sold very well but not sold out. We wish Nobu great success!
Last time when Nobu perform in that venue, he was preceded by Lang Lang, who performed a recital in the "International Concert Series" to a sold out crowd. This time,Daniil Trifonov plays a recital in the same series on Wednesday Oct. 29, 2 days ahead of Nobu's. The recital is sold out in every section except the "stall" (ground floor), but there was a big promotion in the Pianist Magazine for it, including discounted tickets. (Discount tickets were also offered for Nobu's concert, but not in that magazine.)

Somebody tweeted: "Too many good pianists in Manchester this Friday. Having to miss Nobuyuki Tsujii in order to see Julian Joseph."

♪ October 22 "Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Liszt" CD has dropped out of top 10 on Billboard Japan's classical chart in its 4th week on the cart.

♪ October 19
It is perhaps just a coincidence, but tweeters are saying that Daniil Trifonov and also Yuja Wang are doing Japanese style bows at the end of their performances, at least in Japan -- or could it be that they are copying Nobu?

♪ October 18
The "Super classic concert" of Valery Gergiev and Daniil Trifonovmanaged to sell out on performance day. BUT... Nobu's concert with Petrenko in the same series, with ticket prices just a hair higher and not until after New Year, has already sold out.

Poster at the Aichi Concert Hall - the white-on-red label says sold out.

You can clearly see who is considered the star at this performance. Image via Internet link

Also, Gergiev is seen at an autograph session after the concert, with Trifonov -- I don't think this man is in the habit of doing this sort of thing

image via Internet link

Meanwhile, Mitsuko Uchida gave a recital in Royal Festival Hall on the 17th and the place was supposed to be packed. That performance took place at the same time as the duo recital of Leonidas Kavakos & Yuja Wang at the BarbicanCentre -- perhaps one reason why there were ample empty seats at the latter. And let's remember that Daniil Trifonov played in Royal Festival Hall on October 1 and reportedly the place was 1/2 to 2/3 full.
Mitsuko Uchida is a favorite of critics and super highbrow listeners -- which excludes me.

♪ October 17
The THE PIANIST Premium 2014 X’mas- - 3 performances in Tokyo in December, headlined by Nobu-- came on sale today. Tickets have sold well on PIA but none of the three shows has completely sold out as of 1PM. The ticket prices are steep (8000Y-15,000Y).

This was written in a blog post about a duo recital of Leonidas Kavakos & Yuja Wang at the BarbicanCentre (capacity 1,943)this evening in London.
"Given the star power of Wang, it came as something of a surprise to me that despite the balcony level not opening, there was a sparse crowd. The circle level, where I sat, was only half full ..."
These two have a performance coming up in Tokyo's Toppan Hall (408 seats) on December 16, which has been sold out for months.

Valery Gergiev and Daniil Trifonov are wrapping up their visits in Japan. There is considerable self-congratulatory promotion for Gergiev, including tweets and Russian YouTube video; and many tweets from admiring Japanese for Trifonov. It is interesting that words such as "emperor" for Gergiev and "transformation" for Trifonov appear in many of these postings, apparently influenced by writings that appear in Japanese publications for classical music (high-brow) connoisseurs, and some tweets mention the "cute" appearance of Trifonov, although one astute person wrote "hair is already under threat.". Trifonov. has one last recital on the 21st at the TokyoOperaCity ConcertHall (seating cap 1632). Tickets are sold at "web special" price of 4,000Y and on PIA there are many seats available (although the best seats are mostly taken).

Yundi (Li) will soon grace Japan, he will perform 14 recitals all over Japan, starting on the 25th. On PIA there are seats available in all but the Nagoya performance. It is interesting to note that his schedule is packed with performances in China and Japan. Yundi's popularity in his own country is immense, but it has not extended beyond that. Nobu's situation is similar.

♪ October 14
Oops - it turns out that Valery Gergiev‏ did not make it to Shanghai after all -- due to the typhoon in Japan. This in spite of tweets posted under his own name implying that it was fait accompli. It seems a case of a publicity machine in overdrive.
But the man is a maniac, the ultimate workaholic, as described in this Japanese article about his Japan tour. It shows his schedule of 9 performances over 10 days, with the one day off allotted to a side trip to China, which as it turned out didn't happen due to weather. The article writer mentions that he has been known to rehearse with an orchestra in Vienna in the morning, perform in London in the evening, then return to Vienna for a performance the next day. In Japan, he is practically performing a different work at each performance. The article writer wrote that he is known to rehears for the first time with an orchestra on the day of performance -- this is something that I had heard before. The article writer concludes:

And .... It was announced on the 9th that Gergiev will, starting next year, serve as the music director for thePacific Music Festivalfor three years (the PMF festival, held for about one month every summer in Sapporo, is a music festival for the purpose of development of young players.) I wonder how such an insanely busy person can be kept in Sapporo for more than a month every year. I expect he will be doing bang-bang quick stops for the PMF.

By golly, it is humanly impossible really!

♪ October 13
Those hardworking Russians ...

Today Valery Gergiev‏@ValeryGergiev tweeted to let it be known that he

Tonight, on a day-off from his Japanese tour, he conducts the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra in Shanghai http://fb.me/772bFT7f4
beginning with the 2015/16 season, he will be the Music Director of the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra.

And Mr. Daniil Trifonov seemed to have had a good show with his recital in Yokohama, judging from enthusiastic tweets (many posted by the same tweeters). And he too will not rest during his Japan visit, flying to South Korea tomorrow for a recital in Seoul before returning to Japan to perform Tchai 1 with Gergiev in Nagoya.

These people drive themselves too hard.

♪ October 12
Today in Tokyo Mr. Daniil Trifonov performed at the Musashino Civic Cultural Hall Small Hall 武蔵野市民文化会館小ホール, seating capacity 470! It is sold out, but it seems that performances in that small venue usually sell out. It just goes to show how regional the drawing power of a "star" is in classical music. It is commendable that Mr. Trifonov, whose recitals sell out at the Carnegie Hall does not mind performing in a small place. And it makes me appreciate that Nobu's recital tours in Japan can fill seats of 10 or more venues of 1000+ seats.

Interestingly, after the Oct. 12 performance there were several tweets mentioning some incident at the recital, such as these:

トリフォノフ、今日は武蔵野だったらしいけど、なんか最後の曲の終わりの方で観客が声を出したか何かで気分を害された模様。前橋のホールのガラガラ感といい、本当に申し訳ないような。日本を嫌いになりませんように… Trifonov, seems to have been in Musashino today, and seems to have been offended by some audience talking loudly towards the end of his last piece. The Hall of Maebashi [in Gunma] was half empty, sadly. I hope he does not come to dislike Japan.

トリフォノフ＠武蔵野今日もまた演奏中に喋る意味不明人が。アンコール演奏中も終わる前からうめくは話しだすは、で、演奏者も何事かと睨みつけ、怒り心頭に挨拶せず帰る始末。演奏内容別にして、後味悪いコンサートでした。サイン貰う気などとてもなれず。最近の聴衆はどこもヒドく残念。 I don't know why there was talkingduring performancetoday, just before the encores. The performer glared and went home in anger without greeting and shaking hands. It is another incident where a concert left me with a bad aftertaste. Recently, audiences have behaved terribly everywhere.

Meanwhile, Valery Gergiev performed in Ishikawa with Brazilian pianist Nelson Freire (Brahms' piano concerto no.2). Nobu has performed with Gergiev, and Freire I believe knows Nobu and in fact was said to be responsible for arranging for Nobu to perform in Brazil in 2011 -- a performance that was unfortunately called off. I hope Nobu says hi to them -- of maybe even attend their next performance in Suntory Hall on October 14. Also, it was announced that Mr. Gergiev has been appointed Artistic Director of the Pacific Music Festival held in Sapporo, Japan: http://fb.me/78gGMxdyF -- perhaps there is a chance that Nobu will perform with him there some day.

♪ October 10
Complete silence on the Nobu front except that the Peter Rosen documentary "Touching the Sound" is now available on Medici-TV, although apparently not to U.S. viewers (probably due to copyright)

image via Internet link
Mr. Daniil Trifonov is in Japan and has given a couple of recitals, including one in Kobe and another one in Gunma. There are a good number of tweets regarding his recitals, many enthusiastic. Two Gunma tweets mention discount (or may be even free) tickets available on short notice and a small audience. Apparently five encores were played at each performance.
An astute twitter wrote:
Twitter検索すると、やれ「憑依」だの「変態」だのという誉め言葉が並んでいるので、今夜のトリフォノフへの期待は妄想をはらんできた(^_^;) If you search Twitter, words lined up with praise of "possession" and "transformation". Tonight's expectation for Trifonov is fraught with delusion.
And indeed those two words appear often in the tweets. I suspect these are words used in some promotional articles that appear in Japan's many classical music publications.
OnPIA, four more performances of Mr. Trifonov's still have tickets available, including recitals in Yokohama and Tokyo and a Tchai 1 performance with conductor Valery Gergiev . Although they have not been declared sold out, these performances seem to have sold well.

Mr. Gergiev had a traumatic arrival in Tokyo and one wonders about his mood as he started his first ever Japan tour of (I think 8) performances. I wonder if Nobu has a chance to say hi to him (they have performed together four times in Europe). Mr. Gergiev is the star attraction for these performances, tickets for each of which are priced up to ~20,000Y, and seem to have sold well.

♪ October 6
As I suspected, Nobu is deep in his preparation for his Rach 3 debut. This is mentioned in an excellent new interview of Nobu from Canada posted today

These days Tsujii, or “Nobu” as he commonly goes by, is preparing to play Rachmaninov No.3 for the first time ever in October. His manager, Nick Asano, calls it “one of the most demanding pieces in the history of piano concerto.”
When we asked Tsujii to take a break from his intense prep to permit us a few questions, he agreed – graciously ...

Tickets came on sale on Oct 2 for a Jan 10 charity concert
for Japan's Red Cross, sponsored by big-name Japan corporations such as Sony and Mikimoto (Jewelry), at which Nobu performs Tchai 1. On PIA the tickets were declared sold-out quickly, although now it looks like there are a few seats left.

Carnegie Hall is finally free of the ugly scaffolding that marred its exterior both times when Nobu performed there (November 2011 and January 2014). And it announced that it will start streamcasting some performances this season. Interestingly, the hall's announcement does not mention Medici TV, while Medici TV's announcement made a big deal of Carnegie Hall. Two of the four webcasts involve pianists and, you guess it, all Deutsche Gramophon artists, "the violinist Leonidas Kavakos and the pianist Yuja Wang on Nov. 22; and the pianist Daniil Trifonov on Dec. 9."

Mr. Daniil Trifonov is in Japan and will be giving recitals as well as performing Tchai 1. Interestingly, his website has had an overhaul -- in particular, the cluttered and outdated concert schedule page has been much streamlined -- a smart move.
In Japan, there is an announcement of some programming change in his recital
リスト：超絶技巧練習曲集
⇒リスト：超絶技巧練習曲集より　第1, 8, 3, 4, 5, 2, 9, 10, 11, 12曲
Looks like some of Liszt's transcendental etudes have been dropped. These etudes are not tough on the pianist and probably even tougher on the audience. I personally hope Nobu would not perform it in public.
None of Mr. Trifonov's performances (7 recitals and 2 concertos) in Japan have as yet sold out, although the Tchai performance with Valery Gergiev (who is billed as the star) in Nagoya on October 16, one of the so called "Super Classic Concerts", is closest to sold-out. The last recital, to take place in Tokyo's Opera City Concert Hall, is apparently nowhere near sold out, and in fact a "web special" sale is being offered with discounted tickets. Mr. Trifonov will also make a stop in South Koren and hold a recital on October 14.

Mr. Yundi Listarts his 12-stop recital tour in Japan on the 25th - only one stop has been declared sold out on PIA.

This interesting tweet was posted on October 4

まあ仕方ないけどさあ、チケットの値段の差が凄いよね（笑）「ヴァディム・ホロデンコ　リサイタル」チケット［全席指定］8,000円「スタニスラフ・ブーニン in ピアノハウス箱根」チケット［全席指定］80,000円 http://www.pianohouse.co.jp/concert.html Oh, come on. The difference between the price of the ticket is amazing (laughs) "Vadym Khlodenko Recital" ticket [All seats reserved] 8,000 yen "Stanislav Bunin in Piano House Hakone" ticket [All seats reserved] 80,000 yen

Vadym Kholodenko is the 2013 gold medalist of the Cliburn Competition; Stanislav Bunin -- not well known elsewhere -- is somehow revered in Japan ( I just read that he lives in Germany but spends plenty of time in Japan.) Bunin's recording is said to be the recording of baby Nobu's choice of Chopin's Heroic Polonaise. BTW these concerts are held at the "Piano House", which has only 100 seats. Bunin's recital apparently has sold out.

♪ October 2
Nobu's new album debuts on this week's Japan's Billboard Classical Music chart in 4th place, behind two newly issued contemporary "classical" albums by Japanese popular music artists and a "Pure Maria Callas" album; and just ahead of a "complete works of Rachmaninov" album by a Japanese female pianist.
The list can be seen here

【ビルボード・クラシック・ヒットチャート 2014/10/6付】辻井伸行の「ラ・カンパネラ～ヴィルトゥオーゾ・リスト！」（エイベックス）が４位で初登場！
[Billboard classical charts for 10/6/2014] Nobuyuki Tsujii of "La Campanella - Virtuoso Liszt!" (Avex) debut in fourth place!

Nobu's new album image via Internet link
However, on Amazon Japan, from where my copy was purchased, the album's ranking is sinking fast after only one week since its release. I don't know if Amazon Japan's ranking is indicative of the album's sales, but I was hoping for this album to have more staying power than Nobu's other "serious" CDs (those recorded in Berlin's Teldex Studio) such as the Debussy last year and the Mozart the year before.

I think it might have been a mistake for Avex Classics to emphasize "La Campanella" in the album's title and to make it track #1; the other tracks from Nobu's 2013/14 recital program -- tracks 3,4, and 5 are far more interesting and less familiar. Tracks 3 & 4, in particular (see Nobuyuki Tsujii's Torch Songs) are really beautiful and romantic, and in my opinion should be the the selling point. And track 6, the Hungarian Rhapsody No. 6, is a new track and a complete surprise and should receive more notice as well.(See "Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Liszt" CD -- my take).

My big worry is that, especially with the new popularity of the PIANIST concerts, Avex Classics will cut back on its support for Nobu's serious classical music work. It may just be my imagination, but I notice that the liner notes for this album is thinner than previous albums and features only one new photo (the cover photo) -- is that a sign of things to come? :-( :-(
---------
I reported previously that the two recitals of Mr. Daniil Trifonov in U. K. this week are only half full. BUT Mr. Trifonov surely has the ears of the critics - he is getting reviews from U.K. critics that are far more ardent than even those for Ms. Yuja Wang from New York/Los Angles critics-- and he does it without donning titillating costume or spiky heels. Kudos to Mr. Trifonov.

the Guardian 4 out of 5 stars - empty seats noted " Trifonov’s latest recital was his first in the Festival Hall, which wasn’t anything like full for the occasion."
The Daily Telegraph 5 stars
Financial Times 5 stars
Bachtrack 5 stars
Classical Source 5 stars

There are also a good number of tweets from admiring fans who were at the London concert. I think the critics and the serious classical music fans have pretty much anointed Mr. Trifonov as the next Evgeny Kissin, but I take some guilty pleasure in that -- at least for now -- he is nowhere as popular as Nobu in Japan. His upcoming recitals in Japan are not selling out and his Oct. 16 "Super Classic Concert" performance in Nagoya with Valery Gergiev has not sold out, while Nobu's January 2015 performance of Rach 3 with VasilyPetrenkohas.

The latest Van Cliburn Competition winner, Mr. Vadym Kholodenko, is in Japan and giving concerts. His stops include Sendai (performing with the Sendai Philharmonic Orchestra) and recitals at Aichi 's SotsugiHal. Ticket prices are 2000Y-3500Y. None of the performances have yet sold out*. In concert flyers, Nobu is mentioned, such as in "winner of the Van Cliburn Competition, which produced Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii." We wish Mr. Kholodenko well.
(*On October 4, one recital in Sendai has sold out -- mentioned is that Mr. Kholodenko will perform Chopin's Barcarolle and Berceuse and others.)

October 1
A new month is upon us. This will be another quiet month on the Nobu front, as he won't be back in action until October 31, when he performs Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 3 with the BBC Philharmonic and conductor Yutaka Sado Best wishes to Tsujii-san and we hope he is enjoying mastering this fiendishly difficult concerto, 40 minutes long in performance time.

Elsewhere, this is the way things look in London's Royal Festival Hall last night when Mr.Daniil Trifonovgave a recital there. The "front stall" looks packed in the photo, but look to the left and you will see the empty seats.

image via Internet link

I checked the online page yesterday and it looked like the place was half full, although the good seats were mostly taken. That concert hall seats over 2,000; and even in U.K. these days there are no longer that many people who would come to a recital, even one given by a big name. Concertos, on the other hand, can still fill those seats. Once again I tip my hat to people in Japan, where Nobu's recitals consistently outsell his concerto performances (whose tickets are more expensive, it must be said.) Trifonov was opening what is called the International Pianist Series at the South Bank Center of London. And he will do so again today in Birmingham U.K. -- opening the Birmingham International Concert Season -- and once again the ~2000 seat venue looks to be half full.

Like Nobu, Mr. Lang Lang has a new album out: a 2-disc all-Mozart affair. The format is interesting. The first disc contain two concertos performed with an orchestra, while the second disc contains solo tracks. It is available on U.S. Amazon for a mere $13.96, compared to $60 for the one-disc new release of Nobu's latest album.

By the way, one week since its release, the Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Liszt album is ranked #8 on the Japan Amazon classical music chart (although a tweet today says #5). I don't know if that is good enough, although I think it is par with his Debussy/Mozart/Chopin/Mussorgsky albums released in recent years.

TO BE CONTINUED

↧

Nobuyuki Tsujii in Europe, fall 2014

September 30, 2014, 10:00 pm

≫ Next: Nobuyuki Tsujii "The Modest Master" Interview

≪ Previous: The Business of Concert Pianists October 2014

posted by M. L. Liu, the Unofficial Website for International Fans of Nobuyuki Tsujii
This page will be updated from time to time as information becomes available.

Nobuyuki Tsujii will tour Europe October 31 through November 23.
This is a demanding and exciting tour, on which Nobu will

play Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 3 -- considered one of the most challenging piano concertos -- for the first time, performing it with two different orchestras in U.K.

hold two recitals in Germany (Berlin and Munich) of the difficult Ravel/Chopin Program which he performed on his Ravel/Chopin "Premier Recitals" Japan Tour in June and July; among the works on the program is Ravel's Gaspard de la Nuit

perform Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3 -- also considered one of the most challenging piano concertos -- in Liverpool, U.K.

♪ October 31 19:30 Bridgewater Hall (2,400 seats), Manchester, U.K.Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 3with conductor Yutaka Sado and the BBC Philharmonic. Ticket info
Nobu's Rachmaninov No. 3 debut was a rousing success! News, photos and comments are collected here: Nobuyuki Tsujii in Manchester U.K., fall 2014

Bridgewater Hall, exterior -- image via Internet link

Bridgewater Hall, interior-- image via Internet link

♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪
♪ November 3 19:00 Berlin Philharmonic Chamber Hall (1,180 seats), Berlin, Germany. Ravel/Chopin Recital. Ticket info.
News, comments and photos can be found at Nobuyuki Tsujii recitals in Germany, Fall 2014

Berlin Philharmonic Chamber Hall exterior, image via Internet link

Berlin Philharmonic Chamber Hall interior, image via Internet link

♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪
♪ November 9 19:00 Prince Regent Theatre(1,122 seats), Munich, Germany
Ravel/Chopin Recital Ticket info

Prince Regent Theatre; exterior, image via Internet link

Prince Regent Theatre; interior, image via Internet link

♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪
♪ November 20 7:30PM Liverpool Philharmonic Hall(1,693 seats), Liverpool, U.K.Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3 with Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. Ticket info.

Liverpool Philharmonic Hallexterior; image via Internet link

♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪♪
♪ November 23 2:30PM Liverpool Philharmonic Hall(1,693 seats), Liverpool, U.K.
Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 3with Vasily Petrenko and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Ticket info.

Liverpool Philharmonic Hall interior --image via Internet link

TO BE CONTINUED

Nobu performed with the BBC Philharmonic and conductor/mentor Yutaka Sado. Photo Source: Recital report - Nobuyuki Tsujii official site
They will reunite on October 31 to perform Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 3

Nobu performed at the Berlin Philharmonic Chamber Hall on Nov 10, 2013. Image by Peter Adamik posted on the offical website of Nobuyuki Tsujii,, shown here via Internet link

♪ October 10 Click here to read a new interview of Nobu, in German, published by the Japan Embassy. Nobu answers questions about which performances abroad he has particularly remembered and his impression of performing in Germany. English translation here
Information for Nobu's upcoming concert in Berlin can be found here

image via Internet link

Related articles:
Nobuyuki Tsujii Tours with Vasily Petrenko in 2015
Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Rach 3
Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Ravel (April 2014)
Nobuyuki Tsujii plays Gaspard de la Nuit

↧

Nobuyuki Tsujii "The Modest Master" Interview

October 3, 2014, 5:27 pm

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posted by M. L. Liu, the Unofficial Website for International Fans of Nobuyuki Tsujii

On October 3, 2014, an interview of Nobuyuki Tsujii was posted online by Knowledge Network, as a campaign for a Nov 13 airing of Nobuyuki Tsujii at the White Nights and also for Nobu's Upcoming Concerts in Canada next May. Please read the original article here . The text is copied below for preservation.

Nobuyuki Tsujii performed Prokofiev's Piano Concerto No. 3 with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra (WSO) and Conductor Alexander Mickelthwate on January 18& 19, 2013; photo from Nobuyuki Tsujii's official site

Nobuyuki Tsujii performanced Rachmaninov's Piano Concerto No. 2 on April 29&30 2011 in Edmonton, Canada with conductor Jean-Marie Zeitouni and the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, photo from Nobuyuki Tsujii's official site

Nobu performed a recital in Vancouver, Canada on March 10, 2013 - image via Internet link

Nobuyuki Tsujii – The Modest Master

Nobuyuki Tsujii is anything but your average twenty-something. The classical pianist and composer is said to have inspired the kind of groupie-infused following normally reserved for pop music stars in his native Japan.
His credits are humbling: he debuted on stage with a professional orchestra at 10-years-old, gave his first solo recital at 12, snagged a (joint) gold medal in the renowned Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2009, and composed an “Elegy for the Victims of the Earthquake and Tsunami of March 11, 2011.”
But it’s not just the music he makes that inspires people; it’s how he makes it. Tsujii was born blind. His fingers fly in the dark.
After watching his debut recital at Carnegie Hall, New York Times music reviewer Vivien Schweitzer called it “remarkable that he has attained an impressive technique that enables him to navigate the keyboard confidently and accurately in difficult repertory.”
These days Tsujii, or “Nobu” as he commonly goes by, is preparing to play Rachmaninov No.3 for the first time ever in October. His manager, Nick Asano, calls it “one of the most demanding pieces in the history of piano concerto.”
When we asked Tsujii to take a break from his intense prep to permit us a few questions, he agreed – graciously. Here’s what he told us, via email, about his life on the global stage:
(Editor's note: Nobuyuki Tsujii's answers were translated from Japanese to English by his manager)

(Knowledge): How you do feel when you are sitting on a world-famous stage, playing the piano for thousands of people?

My family took me to Saipan Island when I was 5 years old, and I had a chance to play piano at the shopping mall. I played it just for my fan, and at the end, I met applause and cheers from good number of people who stopped by me and were listening to my piano playing. Some people came to me and gave me a hug, saying bravo, etc. At that moment, I found my audience, and I understood that I was able to communicate with people on keyboard, even without a word. Since then, it is always my pleasure to go to stage and play music to the audience.
It is a big honor for me to play on a prestigious stage and to big number of people, but it doesn't affect me. I just wish to be sincere to the music that I play, and try best to give them my best performance.
Normally I don't get nervous, only exception was my debut to Carnegie Hall on November 10, 2011. I felt as if I was stepping into a sanctuary. I was in such high spirit and got so nervous that an hour before the concert I screamed "Let me go to the stage right now!" I felt as if I could hardly wait.

What thoughts are going through your head when you’re striking the keys?

On stage, I always try to devote myself to the music, and to the composer. I try to enjoy the beauty and the wonder of these masterpieces, and wish if I could deliver them to the audience, I wish if they would share the joy of experiencing such wonderful world of music.
At the same time, I can hear and sense the reaction of the audience. If I sense positive sign such as that audience is concentrating to the music and sharing it with me, it gives me energy and motivation.

How does your blindness impact the way you play – in terms of training, song selection, and performance?

I don't know. I cannot compare a life with blindness to the one without.
That said, I have been very much lucky to meet wonderful teachers who have guided me. In particular, I cannot thank too much one of my teachers, Professor Kawakami, who had developed unique system of learning music for me. It was huge labor for me to learn new music on braille, until he made it possible for me to learn them by hearing/listening.
When I mention this, sometimes I got misunderstood as if I was listening to someone's CD and "copying" it. However, what my teacher does is to record the music hand by hand, in just precise tempo. Then he re-records the music with verbal comments about composer's marking, etc. He tries to avoid any personal interpretation, to allow me to add my own view.

What, in your mind, makes someone a master of their craft?

Difficult to answer. The energy to make someone happy? Deeply emotional and human experience such as falling in love with someone? Talent and effort? Might be better to ask someone who has made big achievement.

Where do you find inspiration?

Music and audience. I wish to be a good interpreter between them.
It is also great inspiration and enlightenment to meet, listen to and work with great musicians and conductors such as Vladimir Ashkenazy, Valery Gergiev, Michel Beroff, etc., and Van Cliburn! I had no chance to listen to his live performance and I had limited chance to talk to him in person, but I found very noble and warm personality in him, and sincerity to classical music.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

Again, difficult to answer, because everything about me is just natural to myself.
My manager often tells me that I have huge appetite, I have "surprisingly" precise sense of direction and distance, even better than his, I have very precise memory in every detail of daily life, etc., and he is always surprised to see that I never suffer jet lag, at all.
I can sleep any time when I had better sleep, I can wake up any time when I should and start working, regardless which direction I travel and how long it takes. I adore exploring local and seasonal cuisine of the place I visit. I love Japanese food such as sushi, but I never stick to it on the road. When I travel abroad, it sometimes happens that I stay completely without Japanese dish for a month. I love my home country but I never get homesick nor any sickness abroad, and always enjoy meeting new audience and something new.
By the way, I have played in Vancouver, Edmonton and in Winnipeg, and enjoyed it very much. When I played with Edmonton Symphony Orchestra in April 2011, a month after the earthquake and tsunami disaster hit eastern Japanese coast, I heard many people donated to the victims at the lobby. It was very much touching.
After the concert, I went to "Bistro Praga", a very nice restaurant to have my favorite food "Wiener Schnitzel". There I met a group of young people who, according to my manager, dressed in "heavy metal style and make-up". They were not Japanese nor Asian, but one of them talked to me in very precise and polite, even "Classic" Japanese. It was surprising to me!
I'll be back in Edmonton and in Winnipeg in May 2015.
All the best wishes,
Nobu

↧

Embassy of Japan in Germany Interviews pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii

October 10, 2014, 3:16 pm

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M. L. Liu, the Unofficial Website for International Fans of Nobuyuki Tsujii
The following interview was posted at http://www.de.emb-japan.go.jp/NaJ/NaJ1410/tsuji.html, in German. The English translation below is by me, with help from Chrome browser.
Information for Nobu's upcoming concert in Berlin can be found here
Nobu previously performed at the Berlin Philharmonic Chamber Hall on Nov 10, 2013

Image by Peter Adamik posted on the offical website of Nobuyuki Tsujii,, shown here via Internet link

Embassy of Japan

News from Japan # 119 October 2014

Japanese artists abroad:

Interview with pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii

On November 3, the blind-at-birth pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii will be a guest at a Berlin Philharmonic concert. News from Japan conducted an interview with him on this occasion.

News from Japan: Mr. Tsujii, you have been playing piano since early childhood. When did you start and what was the reason?

Nobuyuki Tsuji: My parents had received no special training in classical music, and only my mother could play a little Koto. Because they had heard that classical music has a positive impact on children in the womb, she often listened to classical music during pregnancy. One day, when I was eight month old, she entertained me with a CD with piano music of Chopin. She told me later that when the Heroic Polonaise was played, I started kicking my feet with pleasure. From then on, she played this CD every day, until it eventually broke. My mother then bought a new CD, but to whose music I did not respond. Then she compared the old with the newly bought CD and found that the tracks came from different pianists. Actually, my father said it was hard to imagine that an eight-month-old child could tell the difference between two different pianists and thought I simply had grown tired of the music. But my mother again bought a CD with the original pianist ... and in fact, as the Heroic Polonaise was played, I began again to kick my feet. After that, my parents realized that I have a special relationship with music and bought me, when I was two years old, a toy piano. But since I did not know how to play it, I initially just made random noises. One day my mother was singing "Jingle Bells" while preparing Christmas dinner, and I suddenly started to accompany her singing on my piano. From then on, I spent all day replaying whatever that my mother sang, by ear on the piano. At the time my parents never thought that I have a special talent or should become a musician. They were just happy that I had found something that filled my life with joy.

Nal: As a musician, you have to be very determined in practicing the piano. As a child, were there many other things that you would have also liked to do but did not do enough because of practicing?

Nobuyuki Tsuji: As I said before, my parents never thought that I should be a musician. At age four, I got my first real piano lessons. I sat on the knees of the teacher and played on a real piano. But I really was not taught how I should use my fingers, but just allowed to play the music the way I wanted to play it. As a child, I really liked playing the piano; for me it was just like playing. Often my parents struggled to lure me away from the piano, for example, when the food was ready on the table, because I just would not stop.

I practiced really hard before the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. For that I had to memorize one-hour performances of a work of chamber music, two concertos, as well as a modern work. At that time I had the feeling that, no matter how much I practice, it was not enough. However, I was never deterred by the practice; finally I was able to play in the United States before an audience. That's still like that.

Nal: You have performed almost everywhere in the world. Are there certain features in individual countries that you recognize?
Nobuyuki Tsuji: The audience in the United States are very lively, inspiring me to action. The Japanese audience listen to the pieces very carefully, in a studied and concentrated way. In Germany I feel at the beginning somehow a certain tension, as if the audience is questioning whether a young Japanese could really understand Western music. In Berlin the audience has very good ear; and there I sensed that the audience at first said to themselves, "Let's see how he does." But when you play well, the audience is immediately ready to appreciate that too, and then I look forward to feeling that the effort was worthwhile.

Nal: At your concerts, do you somehowadjust to the specificfeatures of each country?
Nobuyuki Tsuji: No. The works that I perform always comes first, and I stay true to them.

Nal: Which performances abroad have you particularly remembered?
Nobuyuki Tsuji: I have met a great many great audiences and gotten along with excellent orchestras and conductors. I would like to get to know many more countries. But if I want to pick out a specific performance, then it was my debut at Carnegie Hall in the fall of 2011. I'm usually not nervous before performances, but I was -- perhaps because this is a stage with such an amazing story -- really tense. I could not wait to finally get to the stage and a half hour before the performance I shouted out: "Let me play already!"

Nal: You have already been in Germany a few times. What impression do you have of this country?
Nobuyuki Tsuji: In June 2011, I won the Van Cliburn competition, and two weeks later I started my first tour abroad; the first appearance was in Dortmund. If you step on the stage in the United States, one is immediately greeted with a round of applause. But in Germany I felt at that time an atmosphere of testing, as if everyone asked: "Let's see how well he can play." But even during the playing, the atmosphere and the audience changed and they started to enjoy the music together with me. Finally, after I could not hear the applause any more, I played an encore, which was not planned. There was a standing ovation and that has really given me a lot of confidence. My impression of Germany is that it places great emphasis on punctuality and the service is excellent. It is usually so that the stage manager observes the audience and only if everyone is seated that we are given the signal to appear on stage. But when I gave a concert in the Chamber Music Hall of the Philharmonic last year, the manager just looked at his clock and promptly at seven o'clock he opened the door to the stage for my performance. And the audience actually were all sitting in their seats. I just thought: "That's Germany." Otherwise, I noticed that the portions at dinner are very abundant, especially in the meat. So, I have to work very hard to put in a few more exercises at the gym so as not to gain weight.

Nal: How did the German audience responds to your previous performances in this country?
Nobuyuki Tsuji: I've noticed that it always accurately knows to appreciate a successful performance.

Nal: Do you think that your blindness brings to you as a musician disadvantages and advantages? Can you give specific examples?
Nobuyuki Tsuji: I think it does not matter.

Nal: What are your plans for your future musical work? Are there any tasks or goals that you set for yourself to reach?
Nobuyuki Tsuji: I consider every one of my performances a very important opportunity. Also I would like to expand my repertoire, and I have to delve even deeper into the music. The learning never ends.

Nal: What are your plans for the upcoming November concert here in Berlin and is there anything you want to tell the audience coming to your concert?
Nobuyuki Tsuji: After my appearance at the Philharmonic last year I was asked to return there this year. I really felt a great honor and I want to meet the expectations of the audience and the concert organizer. Ravel's "Gaspard de la nuit" is both technically and expressively a very difficult piece, but since I was a student, I had always wanted to play it. It is on the first part of the program. And Chopin's Piano Sonata no. 3, in the second part of the program, is the piece that I played at the 2005 Chopin Competition. That was nine years ago, and I think I am now in a position to perform the Sonata so that my own development becomes clear. Both pieces I have performed already in Japan and in Taiwan since last June, and I am confident that I am well prepared for the show in Berlin. My message to the audience is: "Please look forward to the concert!"

Nal: Thanks for the interview.

Nobuyuki Tsujii
Born in 1988 in Tokyo. Blessed from an early age with a special talent for playing the piano, he won first place at the age of seven (1995) in the category Piano of "Japanese music competition for blind artist". In 1998 he completed his stage debut with a symphony orchestra. This was followed in 2000 by the debut as soloist. In 2005 he was the youngest participant at the 15th International Frederik Chopin Piano Competition in Warsaw, where he was awarded the "Critics Award".
Awarded first place in the Van Cliburn International Piano Competition in 2009, he began his touring activities in prominent concert halls in Japan and abroad, including in the United States, Germany, Switzerland and the UK. Numerous concerts and joint appearances with orchestras in many countries have affirmed his great and worldwide success.
He is also a composer, with a focus on film music.

(Interview conducted by Kiyo Ubukata, Embassy of Japan.)

Looking sharp in a striped shirt, Nobu practices Chopin's Nocturne No. 20 in C# minor, at the Berlin Philharmonic Chamber Hall on November 10, 2013. New Year Day BS-Asahi TV special

↧

Nobuyuki Tsujii opinioni? on an Italian pianist forum

October 12, 2014, 9:49 pm

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posted by M. L. Liu, the Unofficial Website for International Fans of Nobuyuki Tsujii

Doing my daily search for Nobu news today, I came upon an interesting discussion thread on an Italian forum for pianists, http://forum.pianosolo.it Please scroll down to read it.

Nobuyuki Tsujii at his 2013 BBC Proms Debut (July 16, 2013) in Royal Albert Hall, London, United Kingdom.

The translation below is mine.
kawai.marrone started the thread Nobuyuki Tsujii opinioni?

« il: Ottobre 11, 2014, 09:40:43 pm »
puo essere anche un vravo pianista ma qui sembra di stare allo stadio http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wbAoeZZvntk e poi non dovrebbe permettere che la sua disabilitá venga usata per fare propaganda sembra che lo faccia a posta guardatemi sono cieco e suono il pianoforte e per accentuare il tutto si muove come un ritardato... e il bello e che la gente lo acclama quando prima di lui di pianisti ciechi con molta piu stile e che hanno fatto la storia della musica come del jazz ce ne sono stati... una vera vergogna.
Nobuyuki Tsujii opinions?
« on: October 11, 2014, 09:40:43 pm »
In this video http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wbAoeZZvntk which appears to have taken place in a stadium, the pianist received bravos. But to me it seems a propaganda of people cheering for a blind person who plays with exaggeration and moves like a retard, when there have been pianists that came before him that played with much more style and who have shaped the history of jazz music ... a real shame.

Alberto responded:

Ciao,
personalmente preferisco porre la mia attenzione più alla sostanza più che alla forma. Non do peso allo "Stile" se questo è il risultato.
Per questo ho prima ascoltato la sua esecuzione senza guardare il video, e mi è piaciuta tantissimo.
Credo che sia un grande talento, tanto più che è cieco. Se fossi stato presente al concerto lo avrei certamente onorato con gli stessi applausi degli altri.
Dal mio piccolo penso che forse grandi pianisti potrebbero criticare, e allora penso che evidentemente tu lo sei. Beato te.
Non ti nascondo che provo invidia incredibile per queste capacità, ma in questo particolare caso, non sarei disposto a fare cambio tra la mia situazione e la sua per vivere in un mondo completamente buio.
Ma questo è il mio parere, e ti riconosco il il diritto di avere il tuo, e lo rispetto.
Un detto che trovo molto saggio recita così:
Prima di giudicare una persona, devi camminare qualche anno nelle sue scarpe.
Ma forse a te dava fastidio il tributo ottenuto, per una esibizione che non rientrava nei modelli canonici dell'esecuzione "Classica"; allora ti chiedo che pensi della spettacolarità di Lang Lang?
Cordialmente.
Alberto
Hello,
Personally I prefer to pay attention more to the substance rather than the form. As a result, I do not give weight to "style".
That 's why I first listened to his execution without looking at the video, and I loved it. I think it's a great talent, especially since he is blind. If I had been present at the concert, I would certainly honor him with the same applause as others.
Perhaps the great pianists could criticize such a performance, and I think obviously you are one. Blessed are you. I will not deny that I feel envy for these incredible abilities, but in this particular case, I would not be willing to change places between my situation and his to live in a world completely dark. But this is just my opinion, and I recognize you have the right to have yours, and I respect that.
A wise man once said: Before you judge someone, you have to walk a few years in his shoes. Perhaps you felt compelled to withhold tribute for a performance that does not conform to the canonical model of "Classical"; then I ask that you think about the spectacle of Lang Lang?
Sincerely,
Alberto

The original poster kawai.marrone then responded:

beh .. io non sono un bravo pianista anzi non sono neanche un pianista ... ma anche io faccio parte dei minorati della vista e ne vado fiero. Quindi per questo mi sento il diritto di criticarlo, non è certo il primo pianista cieco della storia, tutt'oggi i ciechi sono molto rispettati in ambito musicale e nessun professionista la vede una cosa strana se un cieco suona uno strumento, cosa che fa di solito la gente quando vede un disabile che fa qualcosa che non dovrebbe fare hai maj visto un ipovedente studiare informatica? Ma questo per la musica è successo grazie ai ciechi che sono diventati Maestri.. non è lui il primo non fa nulla di di sovraumano suonando un piano senza vedere ti posso affermare che davanti a un piano la vista è l'ultimo dei problemi, a parte il fatto che a mio modesto avviso la tastiera andrebbe imparata a memoria da tutti ciechi e non, non guardare la tastiera se non necessario non è li che si trova lo spartito. È tutta scena tutto un apparire ... non mi piace affatto. neanche lang lang mi piace, ma io mi esprimo su come si dimostrano questi personaggi non come suonano . Mi sono sempre immaginato il pianista come una persona seria educata ed elegante dallo stile di vita altrettanto sobrio ed educato non come una rock star.
Well .. I'm not a good pianist, in fact not even a pianist ... but I'm also part of the visually impaired community, and I'm proud of that. So for this reason I feel the right to criticize. He is certainly not the first blind pianist in history; today the blind are highly respected in the field of music, and no professional sees a strange thing in a blind man playing an instrument .... But this music is successful thanks to the blind who have become masters ... he is not the first and there is nothing superhuman in playing a piano without seeing it. I can say that in front of a floor the view is the least of the problems. Apart from that fact, in my humble opinion the keyboard should be memorized by all who are blind and looking at the score is unnecessary. I do not like that [the video] makes it such a spectacle. I even prefer Lang Lang expressing his own characters with his sound. I always imagined the pianist as a serious person, educated and elegant, sober and polite, not as a rock star.

I put in my two cents worth in the thread, but I doubt if my words would do much good to change the mind of someone who has formed such a misinformed opinion on Nobu based on one YouTube video. kawai.marrone seems to be unaware of the difference between piano playing of classical piano music and jazz music and the special challenges that classical music -- especially performing with a large orchestra -- pose. Nobu is, in fact, an example of "the pianist as a serious person, educated and elegant, sober and polite" and certainly does not behave like a "rock star" even though his audience and fans (myself included) may give him a "rock-star" reaction at his concerts.

Sadly, I think kawai.marrone is not alone in his/her opinion. I reckon there will always be people who fail to understand and who belittle the achievement of Nobu. It is their loss.

Here is the video that triggered the discussion

↧

Nobuyuki Tsujii Spring 2015 Japan Tour

October 23, 2014, 9:11 pm

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posted by M. L. Liu, the Unofficial Website for International Fans of Nobuyuki Tsujii

Just announced: A new recital tour for Nobuyuki Tsujii. It is titled 熱情 (Appassionata or passion)
Official Avex web site
eplus page

image via Internet linkプログラム
ショパン：舟歌 / ノクターン第1番 / ノクターン第2番
リスト：コンソレーション第3番 / メフィスト・ワルツ第1番
ベートーヴェン：ピアノ・ソナタ第8番「悲愴」 / ピアノ・ソナタ第23番「熱情」
Program
Chopin: Barcarolle / Nocturne No. 1 in B flat minor / Nocturne No. 2 in E flat major
Liszt: Consolation No. 3 / Mephisto Waltz No. 1
Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 8 "Pathetique" / Piano Sonata No. 23 "Appassionata"

The tour takes place February 17 through March 22. There are 13 stops (Gifu, Sendai, Shizuoka, Matsuyama, Kochi, Niigata, Fukui, Kanazawa, Kagoshima, Nagasaki, Wakaya, Osaka, Mie 三重 Prefecture).

It is very good news that tickets to these recitals are being sold at reasonable prices, 4800Y-6800Y, on PIA. And it is interesting that there are no performances in Tokyo.

Here are the stops:
1. Feb. 17 19:00 【岐阜】長良川国際会議場メインホール Nagaragawa Convention Center, Gigu (1689 seats)
http://cte.jp/tsujii2015/
2. Feb 22 14:00 【仙台】イズミティ21大ホール[Sendai] Izumiti 21 Great Hall (1,456 seats)
http://www.ox-tv.co.jp/
3. Feb 26 18:30 【静岡】静岡市民文化会館　大ホール[Shizuoka] Shizuoka Shimin Bunka Kaikan Main Hall (1,968 seats)
http://www.easttone.jp/
4. Mar 1 16:00 [Matsuyama] Himeginhoru main hall(up to 3,000 seats!)
5. Mar 2 18:30【高知】高知県民文化ホール（オレンジ）[Kochi] Kochi Prefectural Culture Hall (Orange) (1,507 seats)
6. Mar 5 18:30 【新潟】りゅーとぴあコンサートホール [Niigata] Ryutopia Concert Hall
(1,900 seats)
7. Mar 7 15:00【福井】ハーモニーホールふくい [Fukui] Harmony Hall Fukui(1,456 seats)
8. Mar 8 15:00 【金沢】石川県立音楽堂　コンサートホール[ Kanazawa], Ishikawa Prefecture Ongakudo Concert Hall (1,560 seats) http://www.tvkanazawa.co.jp/eventinfo/tsujii2015.html
9. Mar 14 14:00【鹿児島】宝山ホール（鹿児島県文化センター）Kagoshima Prefecture Cultural Center (1,502 seats)
http://kagoshima-onkyo.rgr.jp/
http://www.mbc.co.jp/event/tsujii2015/index.html
10. Mar 15 14:30 【長崎】長崎ブリックホール　大ホール Nagasaki Brick Hall (2,002 seats)
http://www.nbc-nagasaki.co.jp/event/20150315.php
11. Mar 19 18:30 【和歌山】和歌山県民文化会館大ホール [ Wakayama] Wakayama Prefectural Cultural Center Main Hall
(2,000 seats)
12. Mar 21 14:00 【大阪】ザ・シンフォニーホール Osaka Symphony Hall (1,704 seats)
http://asahi.co.jp/symphony/event/detail.php?id=2181
13. Mar 22 16:00【三重】三重県総合文化センター　大ホール [ Mie] Mie Prefectural Cultural Center Main Hall (1,903 seats) http://www3.center-mie.or.jp/center/bunka/event_c/2015/0322.html

TO BE CONTINUED

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