The magic of up-close music: the joy of chamber music

Feel free to enjoy!　Life with Concerts
File.7 The joy of chamber music
Mitsuzo Mori (music writer)

There was a tense atmosphere among the performers and their expressions were ecstatic.
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 in the first place?
It is undeniable that chamber music is relatively low-key compared to orchestral, opera, and piano pieces, and it also seems that there are not many enthusiasts who openly 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.
The same meaning is used in Italy, the home of classical music: "Musica da Camera."
In short, it is 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 an established genre, even if it is performed in a large hall or outdoors, it is not called "outdoor music," and "chamber music" is still "chamber music." Incidentally, piano solos are generally not included in "chamber music" even if they are performed indoors.

Originally, many pre-Baroque instruments were small in size.
Classical Orchestra = Burn !!
It wasn't until the middle of the 18th century, during the time of Haydn and Mozart, that this became the case.
With the arrival of Beethoven, and by the time of Mahler in the early 20th century, it had become common for his 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 contemporary composers.
For amateur instrument enthusiasts to play.
To highlight the virtuosity of performers who possess overwhelming technical skill, in other words, are extremely skilled.
And above all, it allows for creative challenges and the expression of inner worlds that only a reduced arrangement and number of notes can offer.

A string quartet, a musical microcosm consisting of two violins, a viola, and a cello.
The piano is added to create a piano quintet.
Other performances include trios and duos using string instruments, wind instruments, and various other combinations.

I wrote earlier that it is a rather low-key venue, but in fact, numerous chamber music concerts are held almost every day, from world-class artists to energetic young musicians, as well as events organized by like-minded musicians and recitals by music college and music school students.
The biggest advantage of a small number of people and a relatively small venue is the intimacy.
Some people say that since it's music, you should just listen to the sound, but the amount of information we receive visually is still significant. Perhaps it's because I have poor concentration, but I often can't remember the impression I had of an orchestra I heard in a large hall, yet strangely enough, I remember the way a violinist bows and walks when I see them in a small hall.
And, as you'd expect, the sounds are similar. There are many arrangements with just one instrument, so it's easy to tell who is making which sound, which is nice.
Arabesques are created by sounds. As you follow the music with your ears and eyes, you will naturally become immersed in the music, which is a great pleasure.
Ah, the joy of listening to chamber music!

Personally, I enjoy attending recitals by young violinists and cellists. They perform sonatas and technical pieces in duos with piano, and sometimes even take on unaccompanied solo pieces with great enthusiasm. Their sincere performances are truly dazzling.
It would be really rude to call it a "challenge," as many of the young musicians have impressive backgrounds and talent, but classical music also requires maturity, so I'll have to forgive them.
As a listener, I would like to experience the free-spirited, youthful individuality and be excited and thrilled, 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 musician Veronika Eberle from Philia Hall, Kanagawa Prefecture's pride and joy, a mecca for chamber music.
The highlight of the concert will be Franck's Sonata, and we look forward to seeing him perform with Mari Kodama, an internationally acclaimed pianist.
Let the masterpieces bring 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: Veronika 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 details, click here>>>

(c)Felix+Broede

Also featured at the Yokohama Music Festival 2019 Yokohama 18th Ward Concert, a wonderful project being held in all 18 administrative wards of Yokohama, will be a violin recital by Yamane Kazuhito and Mori Fumika.
Both musicians have already performed with leading orchestras, but they are still in their 20s. Don't miss the chance to hear them up close while you can.

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 Ward 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>>>

How about a lineup of "classics from my town"?
The charm of chamber music is still difficult to describe.
I'll continue this later.
Well, good night!