The magic of music up close – the joy of chamber music
Enjoy casually ! Life with Concerts
File.7 The Joys of Chamber Music
Mori Mitsusaburo (music writer)
A tense atmosphere and ecstatic expressions permeate the air among the musicians.
Occasionally, a relaxed and cheerful expression peeks through.
And then there's the intimate communication that takes place with the audience.
That's right, let's go listen to some chamber music!
By the way, what exactly is chamber music?
It's undeniable that chamber music is less glamorous than orchestral pieces, operas, or piano music, and I get the feeling that there aren't many enthusiasts who openly declare themselves to be chamber music fans.
Personally, I can confidently say that it's one of the most captivating forms of classical music performance!
In English, "Chamber Music" refers to music played indoors.
In Italy, the birthplace of classical music, the phrase has the same meaning: "Musica da Camera."
In short, it refers to music performed by small ensembles in places like lobbies or guest rooms, rather than in large spaces like churches or theaters, typically with 2 to 7 or 8 musicians.
(Of course, nowadays it is common to hold these events in concert halls.)
Because it's an established genre, even if a performance takes place in a large hall or outdoors, it's not called "outdoor music"; it's simply "chamber music." Incidentally, piano solos are generally not included in "chamber music," even if they are performed indoors.
Originally, many instruments from before the Baroque period were small in scale.
Classical music = Orchestra = Bam !!
It wasn't until the mid-18th century, during the time of Haydn and Mozart, that things started to look like that.
With the emergence of Beethoven, and by the early 20th century, it had become commonplace for Mahler's works to be performed by large orchestras of well over 100 musicians.
Classical music evolves!?
Meanwhile, composers continued to create chamber music. Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert, Brahms, and contemporary composers alike.
For amateur instrument enthusiasts to play.
To highlight the virtuoso performance of a musician with overwhelming skill—in other words, an incredibly skilled performer.
And above all, it's for the creative challenge and expression of the inner world that only a streamlined arrangement and number of notes can offer.
A string quartet: a microcosm of music created by two violins, a viola, and a cello.
Then a piano is added, creating a piano quintet.
In addition, there are trios and duos with various combinations of string and wind instruments.
Earlier, I wrote that chamber music is a rather unassuming activity, but in reality, numerous chamber music concerts are held almost every day. From world-renowned artists to energetic young talents, these concerts are organized by like-minded musical friends or serve as recitals for music college students and music school students.
The biggest advantage of a small gathering, especially in a relatively small venue, is the intimacy it fosters.
Some people say that because it's music, you should "just listen to the sound," but visual information is still very important. It might be due to my lack of concentration, but I often can't recall the impression of an orchestra I heard in a large hall, yet I strangely remember the way a violinist bowed and walked when I saw them in a small hall.
And, as you might expect, the sound is very close. Since many of the arrangements consist of just one of each instrument, it's easy to tell who is playing which note, which is a nice bonus.
An arabesque created by sound. The pleasure of naturally becoming engrossed in the music as you follow it with your ears and eyes.
Ah, the joy of listening to chamber music!
Personally, I enjoy attending recitals by young violinists and cellists. Whether they're performing sonatas or technically demanding pieces in a piano duet, or occasionally tackling unaccompanied solo works with great enthusiasm, their sincere performances are truly dazzling.
It's really rude to call it a "challenge," as many of these young musicians have impressive backgrounds and talents, but classical music also requires maturity. I hope you'll forgive me.
If I were to express my own personal preference as a listener, I'd rather hear a performance that's free-spirited, youthful, and full of individuality, rather than something overly mature.
Now, let's talk about the concert we'll be highlighting this time.
First, from Philia Hall, a renowned chamber music venue in Kanagawa Prefecture, we hear a performance by the rising German artist Veronica Eberle.
The highlight is undoubtedly Franck's sonata. I'm looking forward to the interplay between him and Mari Kodama, a pianist who has established a reputation as an internationally renowned performer.
Let these great songs bring you to tears.
This event has ended.
■ Saturday Soiree Series: "An Encounter with a Goddess"
Date and time: Saturday, September 7, 2019 17:00 start (doors open at 16:30)
Venue: Philia Hall (Aoba Ward Community Cultural Center, Yokohama City)
Violin: Veronica Eberle
Piano: Mari Kodama
Program: Franck Violin Sonata in A major, and more.
Ticket prices: S seats 5,000 yen / A seats 4,000 yen
*Click here for details >>>
(c)Felix+Broede
And from the wonderful "Yokohama Music Festival 2019 Yokohama 18 Wards Concert," which will be held in all 18 administrative districts of Yokohama, we have a violin recital by Kazuhito Yamane and Fumika Mori.
Both musicians have already performed with top-tier orchestras, but they are still in their twenties. Now is the time to hear them up close and get excited!
All of the following events have concluded.
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 Ward 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 Ward Community Cultural Center)
Violin: Fumika Mori
Viola: Ayako Tahara
Program: Martinů - Duet No. 1 for Violin and Viola "Three Madrigals" and other works.
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 Citizens' Plaza
Violin: Fumika Mori
Piano: Yuya Tsuda
Program: Schubert's Fantasia in C major for violin and piano, D934, and others.
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 Community Cultural Center)
Violin: Fumika Mori
Piano: Yuya Tsuda
Program: Schubert's Fantasia in C major for violin and piano, D934, and others.
Price: All seats reserved 2,500 yen
(C)Hisashi Morifuji
How about a lineup that's like "classics from our town"?
The allure of chamber music is still inexhaustible.
More to come later.
Well then, goodbye!
