A Haruki Murakami-esque "chemical reaction" in music.

Enjoy a life with concerts !
File.10 Beethoven's "Archduke Trio"
Mori Mitsusaburo ( music writer)

2020 marks the 250th anniversary of Beethoven's birth, a truly commemorative year. In conjunction with this, numerous CD releases, events, and concerts are being planned.
Hey! Ludwig, still as popular as ever!

It's been exactly 50 years since the Beatles broke up. I sometimes listen to recordings of pre-war blues musicians, but there's one crucial difference between them and Beethoven's music.
After all, Beethoven was active over 200 years ago. Neither he nor any other musicians of his time have any recordings. (Edison invented the cylindrical recorder in 1877, about 50 years after Beethoven's death.)
In other words, performers spend their days grappling with the remaining scores, desperately analyzing them, interpreting them in their own way, and striving to somehow get closer to the true essence of Beethoven. The resulting music often differs completely in tempo and dynamics depending on the performer, even though they are basically playing from the same score. Whether you find that interesting or think it's not authentic is up to each individual.

*Click here for related columns about Beethoven !

Incidentally, back when I only listened to rock music, I was definitely the latter.

But, just like young Hoshino, ever since discovering the beauty of Beethoven, I've become completely engrossed in the joy of performing classical music.

The "young man Hoshino," who suddenly appeared, is one of the characters in Haruki Murakami's novel "Kafka on the Shore."
Until then, young Hoshino had not been particularly interested in classical music, but he became lost in thought while listening to the music playing in the coffee shop. And he was completely captivated by the piece. The piece playing at that time was Beethoven's "Archduke Trio," performed by the "Million Dollar Trio."
This song will play an important role in the story that follows.

Beethoven's Piano Trio No. 7.
It is also known as the "Archduke Trio" because it was dedicated to Archduke Rudolf, a Viennese nobleman about 17 years younger than the composer, who was his patron, student in piano and composition, and likely also a close friend.
Composed in 1811, it is Beethoven's last work in this genre and is considered a masterpiece of piano trio music, renowned for its elegant melody and grand scale.
Well, it's a relatively understated piece among Beethoven's works, but it's surprising that when "Kafka on the Shore" was released, CD shops set up special sections for the "Archduke Trio." Haruki Murakami's influence is truly formidable!

The "Million Dollar Trio" that was playing in the coffee shop was the nickname for a trio consisting of the then-superstars: pianist Rubinstein, violinist Heifetz, and cellist Fireman. I wonder if "million dollars" refers to their fees.

The "Archduke Trio," recorded in 1941, has received very mixed reviews. Some say the trio didn't actually get along and their styles were too different, while others say it was technically proficient but lacked depth and wasn't truly Beethoven-like...
Personally, I'm definitely in favor of it. The understated tempo is simply wonderful. It suits this piece perfectly. The recording is old, but the beauty of Heifetz's violin comes through beautifully!
I was imitating young Hoshino and listening to music in my car, but I got so engrossed in the third movement, the Andante, that the car behind me honked its horn to warn me... Everyone, please be careful.

The "Archduke Trio" is rarely heard performed live, but this year marks a commemorative year, and several concerts are scheduled. Among them, the concert I would definitely like to see is the one held at Philia Hall in June, aptly titled "Beethoven's 'Archduke'."
The performance will feature the virtuoso musicians of the Kanagawa Philharmonic, led by principal solo concertmaster Yasuhisa Ishida. Given Ishida's unconventional style, it will be exciting to see whether he delivers a performance full of virtuosity or a more refined, ensemble-driven performance.

©Fumiaki Fujimoto

Even so, Haruki Murakami, a die-hard music fan, has an exquisite taste in music selection.
The song that elicited the line, "Does music have the power to change people?" wasn't a profound string quartet, nor a shocking rendition of Beethoven's "Fate" or "Ninth Symphony," but rather the "Archduke Trio." Not an over-the-top performance, but the "Million Dollar Trio."

250th anniversary of Beethoven's birth.
Kafka on the Shore was published in 2002.
I wonder if those who discovered "The Archduke Trio" through Kafka still listen to it occasionally.
Eighteen years.
It's time for that baby that was born crying to grow into a fine adult. What a relief.

It's been quite some time since I was an avid reader of Mr. Murakami's work, but I still reach for his "Archduke Trio" CDs a few times a year. And if there's an interesting concert, I'll go.
After the concert, my friend and I would grab a drink at our favorite bar or izakaya.
My modest "life with concerts."

Yasuhisa Ishida © Fumiaki Fujimoto, Daiki Kadowaki © Koichi Yonenaga, Yuya Tsuda © Christine Fielder

This event has been postponed. (Originally scheduled for Tuesday, April 6, 2021)
The 14th installment of the Kanagawa Philharmonic's chamber music series, "An Afternoon of Masterpieces."
" Beethoven's ' Archduke '"
[Date and time] Friday, June 12, 2020, 14:00 start
[Location] Philia Hall, Yokohama City Aoba Ward Community Cultural Center
[Performers] Violin: Yasunao Ishida (Principal Solo Concertmaster, Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra), Violin: Chisako Naoe (Principal Second Violinist, Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra), Viola: Ryo Oshima (Principal Violaist, Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra), Cello: Daiki Kadowaki (Principal Cellist, Kanagawa Philharmonic Orchestra), Piano: Yuya Tsuda
[Program] String Quartet No. 10 in E-flat major, Op. 74 "Harp", Piano Trio No. 7 in B-flat major, Op. 97 "Archduke"
[Price] All seats reserved: 3,000 yen
*Click here for details

*Please note that events may be canceled or postponed without prior notice. Please check with the venue before you go.