Feel free to enjoy! Life with concerts
File.7 The joy of chamber music
Mitsuzo Mori (music writer)
There is a tense atmosphere among the performers and their expressions of ecstasy.
A relaxed and happy face occasionally peeks out.
And the intimate communication with the audience.
That's right, let's go listen to some chamber music!
By the way, what is chamber music anyway?
It is undeniable that it is a more modest piece than orchestral, opera, or piano pieces, and it seems that there are not many enthusiasts who self-declare themselves to be fans of chamber music.
Personally, I can say with confidence that it is one of the most fascinating forms of classical music performance!
In English, "Chamber Music" means music played indoors.
"Musica da Camera" has a similar meaning in Italy, the home of classical music.
In essence, it refers to music performed by small groups of two to seven or eight people in lobbies or guest rooms rather than in large spaces like churches or theaters.
(Of course, these days it is more common to hold them in music halls.)
Because it has become established as a genre, even if it is performed in a large hall or outdoors, it is not called "outdoor music," and "chamber music" is "chamber music." Incidentally, piano soloists are generally not included in "chamber music" even if they are performed indoors.
Originally, most pre-Baroque instruments were small.
Classical = Orchestra = BURN !!
It wasn't until the middle of the 18th century, during the time of Haydn and Mozart, that this began to happen.
With the emergence of Beethoven, and by the time of Mahler in the early 20th century, it had become common for these works to be performed by large orchestras well over 100 people.
Classics grow!
Meanwhile, composers continued to compose chamber music: Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, and even modern composers.
For amateur instrument enthusiasts to play.
This is to highlight the virtuosity of performers who have overwhelming technique, in other words, are extremely skilled.
And above all, it allows for the creative challenges and expression of the inner world that only a pared-down arrangement and number of sounds can offer.
A string quartet, a musical microcosm for two violins, a viola, and a cello.
The piano is added to this to create a piano quintet.
Other performances include trios and duos using string and wind instruments in various combinations.
I wrote earlier that it is a rather low-key venue, but in fact, many chamber music concerts are held almost every day. From world-famous artists to energetic young musicians, they are organized by like-minded musicians, or as recitals by students of music colleges and music schools.
The biggest advantage of a small number of people and a relatively small venue is the intimacy.
Some people say that since it is music, you should only listen to the sound, but the amount of information we get from our eyes is still large. It may be because of my lack of concentration, but I often cannot remember the impression of an orchestra I listened to in a large hall, but strangely enough, I remember the way a violinist bows and walks in a small hall.
And, as you might expect, the sounds are similar. Since there is often just one instrument for each instrument, it's easy to see who is making which sound.
Arabesques are created by sounds. As you follow the music with your ears and eyes, you naturally become immersed in the music, creating a sense of pleasure.
Ah, the joy of listening to chamber music!
Personally, I like to go to recitals by young violinists, cellists, etc. Their sincere performances, whether they play sonatas or technical pieces in duos with the piano, or sometimes take on unaccompanied solo pieces, are truly dazzling.
It would be really rude to call it a "challenge," and many of the young musicians have impressive track records and talent, but classical music requires maturity as well. Let's forgive them.
As a listener, I would like to be excited and thrilled by the free-spirited, youthful individuality of the performers, rather than listening to an overly mature performance.
Now, here are the concerts we'll be picking out this time.
First up will be a performance by the up-and-coming German pianist Veronica Eberle from Kanagawa Prefecture's philosophical chamber music hall, Philia Hall.
The highlight of the concert will be Franck's Sonata, and the performance will be a joy to watch as he plays it with Mari Kodama, an internationally acclaimed pianist.
Let the masterpiece move you to tears.
This event has ended.
■ Saturday Soiree Series "Encounter with the Goddess"
Date and time: Saturday, September 7, 2019 17:00 start (doors open at 16:30)
Venue: Philia Hall (Aoba Community Cultural Center, Yokohama)
Violin: Veronica Eberle
Piano: Mari Kodama
Program: Franck Violin Sonata in A major, and more
Price: S seats 5,000 yen / A seats 4,000 yen
*For more information, click here>>>
(c)Felix+Broede
And from the Yokohama Music Festival 2019 Yokohama 18th Ward Concert, a wonderful project to be held in all 18 administrative wards of Yokohama, there will be a violin recital by Yamane Kazuhito and Mori Fumika.
Although they have already had the experience of performing with leading orchestras, both are still in their 20s. Now is the time to get excited and hear them up close.
The following events have all ended.
"Yokohama Music Festival 2019"
■ Yokohama 18th Ward Concert Isogo Ward
Date and time: October 10, 2019 (Thursday) 14:00 start (doors open at 13:30)
Venue: Sugita Theater (Isogo Community Cultural Center)
Violin: Kazuhito Yamane
Piano: Ayano Shimada
Program: Brahms Violin Sonata No. 2 in A major, and more
Price: All seats reserved 2,500 yen
■ Yokohama 18th Ward Concert Sakae Ward
Date and time: October 11, 2019 (Friday) 14:00 start (doors open at 13:30)
Venue: Sakae Public Hall
Violin: Kazuhito Yamane
Piano: Ayano Shimada
Program: Brahms Violin Sonata No. 2 in A major, and more
Price: All seats reserved 2,500 yen
(C)K.MIURA
■ Yokohama 18th Ward Concert Tsurumi Ward
Date and time: Tuesday, October 15, 2019 14:00 start (doors open at 13:30)
Venue: Salvia Hall Music Hall (Tsurumi Community Cultural Center)
Violin: Fumika Mouri
Viola: Ayako Tahara
Program: Martinu Duo No. 1 for Violin and Viola "Three Madrigals" and more
Price: All seats reserved 2,500 yen
■ Yokohama 18th Ward Concert Hodogaya Ward
Date and time: Wednesday, October 16, 2019 14:00 start (doors open at 13:30)
Venue: Iwama Civic Plaza
Violin: Fumika Mouri
Piano: Yuya Tsuda
Program: Schubert Fantasia for Violin and Piano in C major D934 and more
Price: All seats reserved 2,500 yen
■ Yokohama 18th Ward Concert Konan Ward
Date and time: October 17, 2019 (Thursday) 14:00 start (doors open at 13:30)
Venue: Himawari no Sato (Konan Community Cultural Center)
Violin: Fumika Mouri
Piano: Yuya Tsuda
Program: Schubert Fantasia for Violin and Piano in C major D934 and more
Price: All seats reserved 2,500 yen
(C)Hisashi Morifuji
For more details click here>>>
What do you think of a lineup of "classics from our town"?
The charm of chamber music is yet to be fully described.
I'll continue this later.
Well, good night!
