Notable web postings - January 2017
Continued from Notable web postings - December 2016
Older notable web postings are collected at Notable web postings archival
♪ January 30
Yura has apparently read the "Family Illustrated" magazine article on Nobu's "profound admiration for Mozart"
https://twitter.com/icoyuraco/status/825987576905363457
今までモーツァルトを生で聴くたび、躍動感や幸福感を辻井伸行の演奏からはいつも感じて来た✨彼自身も小さい頃から同じ思いを楽曲から感じてて、コンサートで私達に伝えてきてるんだな。大納得
Every time I listen to his performance of Mozart live, I've always felt a feeling of joy and happiness from Nobuyuki Tsujii. He himself also felt the same from those works, starting from when he was small. He has been communicating that feeling to us in concerts. Very convincing.
https://twitter.com/icoyuraco/status/825998922514456577
超絶技巧は練習して（例えばリスト？）克服する。
モーツァルトはシンプルで清らかな分、平坦に聴こえては意味がない「モーツァルトの意図に少しでも迫れるよう一生懸命練習」✨
なるほどこちらも納得です❣️
In contrast to practice of transcendental skill (such as Liszt?), Mozart is simple and clean,
As listening to his music flat makes no sense, it must be "practiced hard so that Mozart's intention will be heard even slightly." Indeed it is also convincing here
辻井伸行http://www.kateigaho.com/sp/information/information/20170106_2825_1.html
♪ January 30 Nobu to appear on the "Untitled Concert" TV show on Feb 26
Last year Nobu was on the Untitled Concert show on Valentine's day. He will make another appearance this February, on the 26th
http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/daimei/contents/Broadcast/cur/
題名のない音楽会 2017.02.26
「2500回記念(4) 歴史を彩る音楽会」
クラシック界の未来を担う、若きスター奏者による特別アンサンブルを結成。祝典で演奏される名曲を中心に、若い感性でクラシック音楽をアップデートします。これだけの奏者が一堂に会する機会はほとんどなく、「題名のない音楽会」の記念イベントだからこそ成し得たまさに「夢のアンサンブル」です。どうぞお楽しみに！
♪川瀬賢太郎、辻井伸行、南紫音、小林美樹、成田達輝、山根一仁、田原綾子、有田朋央、宮田大、横坂源、加藤雄太
Untitled Concert 2017.02.26
"2500 show celebration (no. 4) History of the show"
A special ensemble of young star performers in the future of the classical world. We will update classical music with young sensibility, centering on masterpieces played at the celebration. There is almost no other opportunity for all these players to come together, and it is a "dream ensemble" that could have been made just because this is a memorial event of "Untitled Concert". Please look forward to it!
♪ Kentaro Kawase (conductor), Nobuyuki Tsuji, Shion Minami (violinis, femalet), Miki Kobayashi (violinist, female), Tatsuki Narita (violinist, male), Kazuhito Yamane (violin, male), Ayako Tahara (violinist, female),Tomohi Arita (male violinist), Dai Miyata (male cellist), Gen Yokasaka (male cellist), Yura Kato (male cellist)
♪
♪ Nobu is on his Bach/Mozart/Beethoven Japan Recital Tour
Comments about the January performances on this tour are collected here => 2016-17 Nobuyuki Tsujii Bach- Mozart-Beethoven Recital Tour Photos & Comments - Part 2
♪ January 30
Tweeted by the chief editor of Japan's "Family Illustrated" magazine:
https://twitter.com/KG_akiyama/status/825882569665187841
創刊60周年を記念して3月号から辻井伸行さんの連載が始まります。世界を舞台に活動している魂のピアニストが抱く音楽への情熱とは？ 第一回目テーマは「モーツァルトへの深い敬愛」。関西・東海地区は明日発売です。ご期待下さい。http://www.kateigaho.com/sp/information/information/20170106_2825_1.html
In commemoration of our 60th anniversary, a series on Nobuyuki Tsujii starting with the March issue. What is the passion for the music held by the soul of this pianist who is active in the world? The first topic is "Profound adoration for Mozart". On sale in Kansai · Tokai districts tomorrow. Please expect it.
Tweeted by メディアエッグ @Mediaegg1
https://twitter.com/Mediaegg1/status/825882329524494336
新刊 講談社 教科書にでてくる音楽家の伝記 中井はるの、音楽家の伝記の一部担当しました。ハイドンから、小澤征爾、久石譲、辻井伸行
Newly written biography of musicians coming up in Nakai Haruno textbook, covering musicians including Haydn, Seiji Ozawa, Joe Hisaishi, Nobuyuki Tsujii
♪ January 29 Nobuyuki Tsujii in Europe, Winter 2017
Nobu will spend most of next month in Europe, performing Grieg's concerto and then his Bach-Mozart-Beethoven in France, Switzerland and Germany.
Checking up on ticket sales of the recital in Munich today: there are still seats available at the Prinzregententheater (1122 seats), but Nobu will be playing to a full if not packed house..
♪ January 29 A Rare Glimpse of Nobu in college at age 18
This tweet comes with a clip from one of the earliest "Miracle Pianist" New Year special shown in Japan.
The clip shows an 18-year old Nobu taking lunch with fellow students at his former university Ueno Gakuen University (上野学園大学).
There are rare glimpses of Nobu taking money out of his wallet and of him eating ramen with chopsticks! See the clip here => https://twitter.com/_masumi_222/status/825572336401133568
♪ January 29 When you are hot, you are hot ...
Tickets came on sale this morning at 10AM in Japan for a couple of Nobu concerts
The Ultimate Concerto concert with violinist Mone Hatori in Iwate on April 26 was declared sold out on PIA within an hour
A May 6 concert with Conductor Neil Thomson and the Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra at the Karuizawa Ohga Hall 2017 Spring Music Festival is declared sold out by the time I looked before 2PM -- four other concerts at this festival , with less pricey tickets, have not sold out
However, tickets do sometimes resurface after the first day on PIA.
♪ January 27 Premium Recital" program revealed
辻井伸行 プレミアム・リサイタル
ドビュッシー：映像 第1集
（水に映る影／ラモーをたたえて／動き）
ドビュッシー：喜びの島
リスト：超絶技巧練習曲集より
第5曲 鬼火
第11曲 夕べの調べ
第4曲 マゼッパ
ベートーヴェン：ピアノ・ソナタ第8番《悲愴》
ベートーヴェン：ピアノソナタ第30番
Debussy: The First Image Book (Shadow reflected in water / Hommage to Rameau / Movement); Island of joy
Liszt: From the Transcendental Etudes (The 5th etude Wizard; 11th etude Evening Study; 4th etude Mazeppa)
Beethoven: Piano · Sonata No. 8 "Pathetique"; Beethoven: Piano Sonata No. 30"
The Liszt etudes and Beethoven sonata no. 30 are new to Nobu's repertoire.
More about these recitals here => Nobuyuki Tsujii 2017 Premium Recitals
♪ January 29 Nobu's Loyal Fans
A belated blog post about Nobu's January 20th recital -- spoiled by the title and the last sentence, where the blogger (a mother) switches from her admiration for Nobu's performance to her yearning for another "super cute" young pianist (Ushita). This is the sort of sentiment that worries me about Nobu's support in Japan. Thankfully, there seems to be a lot of people there who are solidly loyal to Nobu.
http://ameblo.jp/e-karin/entry-12242024549.html
念願の辻井さん!そしてキュートすぎる牛田くん Mr. Tsujii with a wish! And Ushita-kun is too cute ♪
Once again: classical pianists are in a tough business.
♪ January 28 Great photo posted by Suntory Hall:
https://twitter.com/SuntoryHallE/status/824939127833452546
Nobuyuki Tsujii performed J.S.Bach's Italian Concerto, Mozart's Sonata No.17 and Beethoven's Nos 14 & 23 http://www.suntory.com/culture-sports/suntoryhall/schedule/detail/20170123_M_2.html
The photo catches Nobu as he lifts his hands high after the completion of a work -- it is the first time I saw a photo taken at this moment familiar to those of us who go to Nobu's concerts, and of such excellent quality.
Great originality and camerawork -- Kudos to the Suntory Hall photographer.
♪ January 28 A call for Japanese ex-pats in Berlin to support Nobu's recital
https://kaigai-bbs.com/deu/ber/thread/event/view/46547/
辻井伸行ピアノ・リサイタル
2月26日（日）20時
Philharmonie Berlin, Kammermusiksaal
プログラムは、バッハ、モーツァルト、ベートーヴェンの名曲。日本では売り切れ続出のコンサートが、比較的安価にお聴きいただけるチャンスです。ドイツ在住の皆様のお越しをお待ちしています！
Nobuyuki Tsujii Piano · Recital
February 26th (Sunday) 20 o'clock
Philharmonie Berlin, Kammermusiksaal
The program is famous for Bach, Mozart, Beethoven. In Japan it is a chance to listen to concerts that are sold out in a relatively inexpensive way. We are waiting for everyone living in Germany!
♪ January 27 A Pianist learned from Nobu
http://hirokows.hatenablog.com/entry/2017/01/27/0
辻井伸行 日本ツアー（バッハ・モーツアルト・ベートーベン）鑑賞記
Nobuyuki Tsujii Japan tour (Bach, Mozart, Beethoven) Appreciation
辻井伸行さんのリサイタルを聴きに行ったのでそのときのことを書いてみる。（2017/1/24@サントリーホール）
ひとことでいうと超絶技巧。であるが、ナマの芸術のすばらしさを表現するのは難しいので、
わたしと比較してどうなのか？（大胆な…）
プロフェッショナルとは？（恐れ多い）
I went to listen to Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii's recital and I will write about that time. (2017/1/24 @ Suntory Hall).
In a word, transcendal skill. However, it is difficult to express the beauty of performing arts.
How does it compare with mine? (bold…)
What makes him professional? (fearful)
今回の演奏曲のなかにベートーベンの「月光」があった。
わたしは２年前のピアノの発表会で演奏している。
辻井さんの演奏…静かな穏やかなさざ波みたいなのが、ペダルで音をただ伸ばすだけじゃなく、効果音としてよく効いている。
This performance includes Beethoven's "Moonlight",
which I played at a recital two years ago.
Mr. Tsujii's performance ... It's like a quiet, gentle ripple, it's not only just extending the sound with the pedal, it works well as a sound effect.
... [The blogger praises Nobu's pedaling technique, in Japanese whose translation is over my head.]
…わたしがいうのも恐れ多いが、いわゆる一流の芸術家。とされる人、お辞儀が深々だなあ。と思う。
辻井さんはお辞儀がとても深々。
毎日猛練習をして、すばらしい時間をわたしたちに提供してくれて、聴衆に対し、礼儀というよりも心からありがとう。という辻井さんの気持ちが伝わってくる。わたしたち観客も拍手喝采でそれにこたえていた。辻井さんのリサイタルはアンコールのときに辻井さんのトークタイムがあるのだけれど、そこでの話も観客への感謝、というのがすごく伝わってくる。
…せめて礼儀くらいは自分自身にも取り入れたい今日この頃…
... I am [normally] leery of so-called first-rate artists. People who are said to bow deeply. I think.
Mr. Tsujii bowed very deeply.
He practices every day exercises, provided us with a great time, and showed courtesy by thanking his audience. Mr. Tsujii's feelings are transmitted. The audience also applauded and responded to it.
Mr. Tsujii's recital includes a talk during the encorse, but the story there also shows appreciation to the audience.
... At the very least I want to incorporate such courtesy into my own performance starting today...
♪ January 26 "Sanada Maru" won notice on UK MOVIE MUSIC site
I am not sure how widely read is this site, but it is good to see the film score of the NHK taiga drama mentioned in this article about the best Asia movie music scores of 2016
https://moviemusicuk.us/2017/01/25/best-scores-of-2016-asia-part-ii/
For Sanada Maru, Takayuki Hattori made use of the NHK Symphony Orchestra conducted by Tatsuya Shimono, with featured violin solos performed by Fumiaki Miura and piano solos by Nobuyuki Tsujii, and wrote a score which is replete with classical panache and some truly excellent passages. Miura’s violin and Tsuji’s piano bookend the score and dominate the first and last cues: the flamboyant and oddly-metered “Main Theme,” with its flute interjections and slapping percussion, showcases Miura’s technique and flamboyance, while Tsuji’s conclusive solo piano statement of the main theme in “Sanada Maru Kikou” is pretty and poignant.
♪
♪ January 25 "I don't think you get a special sound because of a handicap."...
This post comes up regularly on Twitter, but I think it's worth reading again :
https://twitter.com/nattokusabisu/status/823942291651903489
名言をつぶやくボット @nattokusabisu (Famous quotes)
辻井伸行 音楽には国境が関係ないように、障害も関係ないと思っています。障害があるから特別な音が出せるとか、 そういうふうに思ったことはなくて、一人のピアニストとして聴いていただきたいなって思っています Nobuyuki Tsujii: "Music has no borders. I don't think handicaps matter. I don't think you get a special sound because of a handicap. I never think of it that way. I'd like to be heard as one pianist."
♪ January 24 "It was freezing in Tokyo this morning" ...
https://twitter.com/icoyuraco/status/823728857307967489 (Yura's tweet with a video clip]
今朝の東京は氷点下でしたね❄️ 寒空の下 サントリーホールでは今夜 熱い演奏が待ってます🔥ベートーヴェン『ピアノ・ソナタ第23番《熱情》』第3楽章
It was freezing this morning in Tokyo ❄ waiting for warmth tonight at Suntory Hall concert 🔥 Beethoven "Piano Sonata No. 23"Appassionata", third movement 🎹 Nobuyuki Tsujii
And a whiskey bar near Suntory Hall tweeted:
https://twitter.com/BAR_LiebeKatze/status/823800780134043649
リーベ・カッツェ、本日は辻井伸行@サントリーホールの為、夜9時半頃のオープンとなります。終演次第、全速力で戻ります。皆さまのご来店をお待ちしております。
Ribe Katze [name of the bar], Today is Tsujii Nobuyuki @ Suntory Hall. We will be open around 9:30 pm., returning at full speed as soon as the concert is finished.
We are looking forward to everyone's visit.
♪ January 24 Flowers for Nobu arrived at Suntory Hall from Prime Minister Abe
https://twitter.com/ShinobuOyashiki/status/823461097764110337
辻井伸行日本ツアー、サントリーホール。安倍首相ご夫妻からお花が届いていました。お母様と昭恵夫人がお知り合いのようです。この写真を撮る直前にお母様がお花の前で記念撮影していらっしゃいました。艶やかな着物姿でアップにした髪型が一…Nobuyuki Tsujii Japan Tour, Suntory Hall. Flowers arrived from Prime Minister Abe and his wife. It seems that [Nobu's] mother and Mrs. Abe are acquainted. Nobu's mother took a picture in front of the flowers just now. She had her hair done up and was wearing a gorgeous kimono perfect for her figure ...
More comments about the Suntory Hall performances can be found here => 2016-17 Nobuyuki Tsujii Bach- Mozart-Beethoven Recital Tour Photos & Comments - Part 2
♪ January 20 Nobui & Fumiaki Miura interview -- now readable in English
Good news! The Nobuyuki Tsujii & Fumiaki Miura interview that appeared in U.K. News Digest 19 January 2017 has been posted in text form, and so I was able to make an English translation.
It is a fine interview that conveys the good chemistry between these two young performers. Take a look, if you wish => Nobuyuki Tsujii & Fumiaki Miura interview -- U.K. News Digest 19 January 2017
♪
♪ January 20 "Profound adoration for Mozart"
Tweeted by the chief editor of Japan's "Family Illustrated Magazine",
https://twitter.com/KG_akiyama/status/822648365984911360
創刊60周年を記念して3月号から辻井伸行さんの連載が始まります。世界を舞台に活動している魂のピアニストが抱く音楽への情熱とは！ 第一回目は「モーツァルトへの深い敬愛」。コンサートチケット先行発売やサイン入りCDプレゼント情報なども。http://www.kateigaho.com/sp/information/information/20170106_2825_1.html
In commemoration of our 60th anniversary, a series on Nobuyuki Tsujii starting with the March issue. What is the passion for music that captivates this pianist who is active in the world? The first feature is "Profound adoration for Mozart." Advance concert tickets advance sales and signed CD gift information etc.
The accompanying photo I believe is from when Nobu performed Mozart in Japan with the Chamber Orchestra of Europe last October.
♪ January 20 Premium Recitals resume this summer
Looks like Nobu will resume his "Premium recitals" this summer. These are recitals held in smaller premium venues, with commensurate higher ticket prices.
Thanks to major nobu fan Shinobu for spotting this announcement -- the recital program is "to be determined"
https://twitter.com/ShinobuOyashiki/status/822077254003924992
しらかわホールプミアタイム2017 #辻井伸行 7/19(水)18:45開演 特別先行電話受付1/28(土)10:00-17:00 私の願いがかない今年はプレミアムリサイタル復活! でも曲目未定ですって。早く全日程を知りたいです。
Shirakawa Hall 2017 season Nobuyuki Tsujii July 19 (Wednesday) 18: 45 Special preliminary phone reservation 1/28 (Sat) 10: 00-17: 00
My wish is coming true This year the premium recital is revived! But looks like the tracks are undecided. I want to know the schedule as soon as possible.
[with a link to announcement]
♪ January 19 Four Nobuyuki Tsujii CDs on Japan Billboard Top Classical Albums chart 2017/01/23
http://www.billboard-japan.com/charts/detail?a=classical
Nobu's "The Best"(68 weeks on the chart) and his new Chopin CD (6 weeks) tie at third place; his "God's Medical Chart" (95 weeks; "House of Wind" is one of the tracks) is at 12th, and his 2016 Liszt CD (16 weeks) is at 19th.
♪ January 18 "... but I guess there is no leading young pianist in Japan "
I had the same question as this twitter when I first heard about Lang Lang playing the theme music for the new NHK drama (which followed the successful "Sanada Maru") -- although I don't share his/her opinion on Lang Lang.
https://twitter.com/foyfoy_zzz/status/821682348655722496
新しい大河ドラマの主題曲のピアノがランランらしい真田丸は辻井伸行さんだったよね？大河ドラマに海外のアーティスト入れたのは何故だ………ランラン上手いし好きだからわたしは文句ないけど、日本の有力若手ピアニストがいないってことかなーー
The new river drama series seems to have a piano theme song performed by Lang Lang. Didn't Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii play for "Sanada Maru"? Why is an overseas artists playing for a river drama ... I am not complaining because I do like Lang Lang, but I guess there is no leading young pianist in Japan."
♪ January 18 YouTube video with a glimpse of Nobu at the the U.S. Embassy 9/26/2016
Last September Nobu and his parents were guests of Ambassador Caroline Kennedy at the U.S. Embassy Tokyo for the 26th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act.
I looked in vain for a video of the appearance and finally gave up. But today a twitter posted this video that shows Nobu playing "La Campanella" at the event
♪ January 18 Nobu and violinist Miura on cover of Eikoku News Digest (Japanese publication based in London )
https://twitter.com/newsdigest/status/821687964182974464
【英国】最新のeBook /1月19日（木）号 ！ 特集はNHKの大河ドラマ「真田丸」でテーマ曲のヴァイオリン・ソロを務めた三浦文彰さんと、エンディングの「真田丸紀行」でピアノを演奏した辻井伸行さんのインタビュー/日本映画上映会ほか 【UK】 The latest eBook / January 19 (Thu) issue! The special feature is interview of Miura Fumiaki who served as the violin soloist of the theme song for NHK's drama "Sanada Maru," and Nobuyuki Tsujii who played the piano at "Ending" "Sanada Maru" Japanese Film Screening, etc. http://fb.me/8qoP2Igj8
The publication, No.1475 Eikoku News Digest, can be read on line => http://www.news-digest.co.uk/news/ebook.html
Both Nobu and Mr. Miura are scheduled to perform at Wigmore Hall this year as part of the "Avex Wigmore Hall" recital series, mentioned in the article.
Nobu fan NS read the article and kindly wrote to let us know about this:
It was very small letters to read, but it was good interview.
The most of it were what we already knew. but there was one thing that you may be interested in..
The interviewer asked them who was their favourite English composer.
Mr. Miura replied that he likes Benjamin Brighten and Edward Elgar. (He gave the reasons for it....Please don't ask me why; it is hard to translate in English for me )
Nobu said that Elgar's works for orchestra are great but he has never played Elgar's piano pieces yet; however, he would like to play ones that suit him one day.
Mr. Miura offered to perform with Nobu together the Sonata for Violin and Piano by Elgar one day.
Then Nobu responded "certainly ! (with laugh)"
♪ January 18 "... but I guess there is no leading young pianist in Japan "
I had the same question as this twitter when I first heard about Lang Lang playing the theme music for the new NHK drama (which followed the successful "Sanada Maru") -- although I don't share his/her opinion on Lang Lang.
https://twitter.com/foyfoy_zzz/status/821682348655722496
新しい大河ドラマの主題曲のピアノがランランらしい真田丸は辻井伸行さんだったよね？大河ドラマに海外のアーティスト入れたのは何故だ………ランラン上手いし好きだからわたしは文句ないけど、日本の有力若手ピアニストがいないってことかなーー
The new river drama series seems to have a piano theme song performed by Lang Lang. Didn't Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii play for "Sanada Maru"? Why is an overseas artists playing for a river drama ... I am not complaining because I do like Lang Lang, but I guess there is no leading young pianist in Japan."
♪ January 17 On Nobu's Piano Chops: More chatters from Japan
It cannot be a coincidence that I keep running into postings from Japan about Nobu's piano chops (ability).
Yesterday someone posted a question on Yahoo Japan's popular question-and-answer forum. It may well be a troll from one of the so called Kurota (classical music fanatics in Japan), but the responses are interesting nevertheless.
http://detail.chiebukuro.yahoo.co.jp/qa/question_detail/q11169334986
Question:
辻井伸行さんは長年のクラシックファンから見てもすごいですか？
目が見えないというのを抜きにしても世界的に一流のピアニストでしょうか？
キーシンとかツィマーマンは動画を見てすごいと思いましたが彼らと並ぶほどですか？
Is Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii amazing from the perspective of a long time classic fan?
Even disregarding his blindness, is he a world-class top pianist?
I thought (Evgeny) Kissin or (Krystian) Zimerman was amazing when I watched their videos, but is he up to par with them?
There have been 4 responses thus far, including one of mine, which you can find here with English translation => On Nobu's Piano Chops: More chatters from Japan
Nobuyuki Tsujii - photo source Boston Higashi School
♪ February 24 Munich recital ticket sales status
As of today, the choice seats are gone, but there are many seats still available
https://www.muenchenticket.de/guide/tickets/131r1/Nobu+Tsujii.html
Nobu Tsujii
FR 24.02.2017, 20:00 Uhr | Prinzregententheater
Bach, Mozart, Beethoven
In the photo above, the colored blocks represent available seats. There are 1,122 seats in the Prinzregententheater.
♪ January 17 Tweet by the chief editor of Japan's 「音楽の友」 "Friends of Music" magazine:
https://twitter.com/pochi10629/status/821406384457555969
指揮者のウラディーミル・ユロフスキさん、〝主兵〟ロンドン・フィルとともに10月に初来日っ！辻井伸行（ｐ）をソリストに、福岡、大阪、名古屋、新潟、東京、浜松、川崎を巡るツアー、楽しみですねっ！写真は昨日送られてきたユロフスキさん指揮ロンドン・フィルのブラームス「交響曲第1番」の新譜
"Conductor conductor Vladimir Jurowski, "Primary soldier" , coming to Japan for the first time with the London Philharmonic Orchestra in October! With Nobuyuki Tsujii (p) as soloist, he will tour around Fukuoka, Osaka, Nagoya, Niigata, Tokyo, Hamamatsu, Kawasaki. Excitement! The photo shown was sent yesterday along with the news of conductor Juroswki conducting Brahms 'Symphony No. 1' ."
♪ January 17 Tweet of the Day ^_^
https://twitter.com/iguRU5ooFKkMEca/status/821172531117715458
ジャグリングなう。３ボール。カスケード。37回。BGM辻井伸行。悔しい～。けど目標があるのはいいな
Juggling. 3 balls. Fell apart. 37 times. Background music Nobuyuki Tsujii. This is regrettable. But it is nice to have a goal.
Image: http://www.jugglinginstructions.com/
♪ January 15 "The amazing career of Nobuyuki Tsujii and his actual ability"
This Japanese article, entitled "A blind pianist! The Amazing career of Nobuyuki Tsujii and his Actual Ability," was first posted on September 2 2016, and has been re-posted today (January 15 2017).
The original article can be read here: http://akogaresan.net/tujii-nobuyuki/
The article says, partly:
I am not qualified enough to detect errors in piano playing and such. However it seems that people who knows something about music made certain comments.
On the web, these people made these critical comments: "student level", "frequent mis-touches", "gold medal of power."
However, a decent person that I know, who plays the piano, says although his piano playing is not perfect in technique, it has considerable merits.
"Technique is the easier part of piano playing. In his playing of more difficult works, there is a tight feeling. But the tone colors that come from his pure heart and the melody that resonates with you is not something that can be generated by design, but it can be felt immediately when he plays."
In this way, what matter is not being able to play to the score and reaching a certain level of proficiency, but "being able to express oneself" can be considered as the ability of the individual.
In that sense, Mr. Tsujii offers a unique expression in his performance. I think the question is whether the performance resonates in the audience's mind.
So, when listening to Mr. Tsujii, some will find faults and others think he is wonderful. Those who are a good match with him will always be fans and keep listening, no matter what.
Mr. Tsujii's ability as a pianist is not decided by the reactions around us, but I think that it is right that he is evaluated by how he is heard.
My take on the article? Read here => "The amazing career of Nobuyuki Tsujii and his actual ability"
♪ January 17 Onsen ("hot spring")
A while back I mentioned that concert-goers have reported seeing Mrs. Itsuko Tsujii at Nobu's recitals last week, and surmised that perhaps the Tsujii family (or at least mother and Nobu) are taking a mini-vacation in the resort areas where the performances took place. I was not far off, judging from the latest posting of Mrs. Tsujii ^_^
http://ameblo.jp/tsujii-itsuko/entry-12238599949.html
伸行の久留米でのコンサートの後に、大分の湯布院に行ってきました♪.・。*
湯布院といえば、温泉ですよねきらハート
大好きな「亀の井別荘」という旅館の温泉に久しぶりに浸かって
心身共にリラックスしてきました！
I went to Oita 's Yufuin after the concert in Kurume, where there is a hot spring.
It has been a long time since I enjoyed my favorite hot spring 'Kamenoi-cho'
I have relaxed mind and body!
Hopefully Nobu also took advantage of the hot spring!♪ January 10 "If the blinking of a star could be heard"
Yura re-tweeted this poetic tweet
https://twitter.com/abukupapa/status/815551659698860032
星の瞬く音が聴けるとすればそれは辻井伸行さんのピアノの音かもしれないな。
If the blinking of a star could be heard, it might be the sound of the piano by Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii
♪ Tweet from Tower Records Kurume, which had a table selling Nobu albums and books during his Jan 9 recital there:
https://twitter.com/TOWER_Kurume/status/818994013982199808
タワーレコード久留米店
@TOWER_Kurume
おはようございます！タワーレコード久留米店 1/1 0のデイリーチャートです。 (Daily chart of the store as of Jan 10)
1 辻井いつ子/辻井伸行
2 ONE OK ROCK
3 Mr.Children
4 MANNISH BOYS
5 back numberでした。本日もご来店お待ちしております♪
Nobu's album with Mrs. Itsuko Tsujii tops the list
♪ January 10 Nobu mentioned on Bachtrack Classical Music site 2016 statistics
According to the U.K. classical music site Bachtrack, Nobu is one of the busiest pianists worldwide in 2016.
OK, that's great. But please understand that the statistics "are based exclusively on performances listed on Bachtrack."
As the person who has been voluntarily entering Nobu's concert listings on that site, I guess I have contributed to these statistics.
BUT ... First, how is it possible that Lang Lang is not on the list? Second, I only entered Nobu's performances at big venues, leaving out at least a dozen of smaller concerts. Had I entered those, would he have topped the list? Does it really matter?
We should all be wary of the vagaries of news & statics found on the Internet!
Image source: https://bachtrack.com/
♪January 10 Where is Waldo?
Cute cover photo on this magazine published by the Tokorozawa MUSE concert hall, about their 2017-18 performance lineups. Someone spent a lot of time preparing this photo!
The photo shows a bouquet of performers, and Nobu is among them. See if you can spot him!
https://twitter.com/Tokorozawa_MUSE/status/818643750113005568
♪ January 9 She flew from Osaka to Fukuoka for the recital ...
Nobu fan Shinobu flew from Osaka to be at Nobu's matinee recital in Fukuoka. She filed this tweet with a photo before the start of the performance
辻井伸行日本ツアー1/9久留米シティプラザ、ザグランドホール 新しくておしゃれなホールです(^-^)/ #辻井伸行
Nobuyuki Tsujii Japan Tour 1/9 Kurume City Plaza. The Grand Hall is a new and fashionable venue (^ - ^) / Nobuyuki Tsujii
♪ February 2 "Untitled Concert" TV program recording (I misstated previously that this is a Feb 2 broadcast)
Nobu fan Yuki tweeted with a photo
https://twitter.com/yuki171208021/status/818308665874579461
2/2収録の「題名のない音楽会」に辻井伸行出演とある😀 他にも豪華な方々が✨ 何を演奏されるのか、今から放送が楽しみ🎶 観覧者募集中 http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/daimei_2015/sphone/Viewing/
There is a Nobuyuki Tsujii appearance "Untitled Concert" to be recorded on 2/2. Along with many gorgeous people. What will he be playing? I m looking forward to the broadcast.
And Suntory Hall tweeted about the recording to take place on February 2, at that hall. Application for attending the recording session are due by January 17.
Nobu's name is listed with a bunch of other performers and the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. This recording session comes just before Nobu's Europe tour in February.
http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/daimei_2015/contents/Viewing/
The Untitled Concert is a popular classical music weekly program in Japan. Nobu appeared on it last year, and this may just be a re-play of that appearance. In the photo,
♪ Nobu article in the next issue of the "Family Illustrated" magazine.
The editor of the 『家庭画報』 magazine tweeted:
次号は『家庭画報』創刊60周年記念号！感謝を込めた特別企画満載でお送りします。http://www.kateigaho.com/sp/information/information/20170106_2825_1.html … #京都 #シャンパン #ヴァチカン #雛まつり #岸惠子 #ホテル #スパ #上橋菜穂子 #辻井伸行 #バッグプレゼント
The photo shows an article titled "Nobuyuki Tsujii, Music's Traveler". This is the article mentioned in a recent blog (Dec 22 2017) of music writer Yoshiko Ikuma
♪ February 2 "Untitled Concert" TV appearance
Nobu fan Yuki tweeted with a photo
https://twitter.com/yuki171208021/status/818308665874579461
2/2収録の「題名のない音楽会」に辻井伸行出演とある😀 他にも豪華な方々が✨ 何を演奏されるのか、今から放送が楽しみ🎶 観覧者募集中 http://www.tv-asahi.co.jp/daimei_2015/sphone/Viewing/
There is a Nobuyuki Tsujii appearance on a broadcast of "Untitled Concert" on 2/2. Along with many gorgeous people. What will he be playing? I m looking forward to the broadcast.
The Untitled Concert is a popular classical music weekly program in Japan. Nobu appeared on it last year, and this may just be a re-play of that appearance. In the photo, Nobu's name is listed with a bunch of other performers. This broadcast comes before Nobu's Europe tour in February.
January 8 "The editing is too severe; done by people who absolutely do not understand music"
I agree with this tweet from an astute viewer, about the New-Year Day Asahi-TV "Miracle Pianist" Special
https://twitter.com/jun_chopin/status/818101621506732032
録画してた辻井伸行くんのオーストラリアの番組観てたけど、編集が酷すぎる。あれ、絶対音楽わかってない人間がやってるね。終わり方も雑でビックリしたよ^^;
I watched a recording of the program of Nobuyuki Tsujii in Australia, but editing is too severe. Well, people who absolutely do not understand music did it. I was surprised at the way it ends ^ ^
It is absolutely inexcusable that they left out the 2nd movement (which is very short) of the concerto, and used pop music in the background on some part.
The ending is too abrupt. I appreciate seeing the footage but the editing of this show is, in my humble opinion, very uneven.
♪ January 5
A tweet in English, from "Lance in Japan":
https://twitter.com/lanceinjapan/status/817321731903762433
Sweet! Tickets to see #NobuyukiTsujii came in today. [The photo shows a poster for Nobu's recital on March 23 in Nigata.]
♪ January 5 Chopin 1 on May 5 <-- A new Gig
http://ibanavi.net/event/5443/
辻井伸行×ニール・トムソン×読売日本交響楽団
ショパン：ピアノ協奏曲 第1番 ホ短調 作品11, 等
5月5日(金・祝) 開演15:00
常陸大宮市文化センター●ロゼホール 大ホール
茨城県
Nobuyuki Tsujii × Neil Thomson (conductor) × Yomiuri Nippon Symphony Orchestra
Chopin: Piano Concerto No. 1 e minor work 11, etc.
May 5 (Friday, holiday) 15: 00
Hitachi Omiya City Cultural Center ● Rosé Hall Great Hall
Ibaraki Prefecture
♪ January 5 Sakura (Cherry), from Nobu's Yamagata concert in bloom -- an auspicious start of New Year!
In her latest blog post, Mrs. Itsuko Tsujii shares a photo of a cherry branch that she brought back from Yamagata, where Nobu gave a thrilling performance on Christmas Day (with a surprise appearance of violinist Fumiaki Miura). She wrote that the branch was initially all buds, but by placing it in a good spot at the family home and replacing the water everyday, the branch is now in beautiful bloom -- I like to think that Nobu gets to touch the blossoms.
http://ameblo.jp/tsujii-itsuko/entry-12235235449.html
(辻井いつ子さんのブログ)
昨年の25日のクリスマスサンタさんに伸行が山形でコンサートをしたとき、
いただいた桜が満開となりました桜
最初は全てつぼみでしたが、
陽当たりの良い場所に置いて、毎日水を取り替えていたら
見事に咲きましたハート
♪ January 5 Listen to the mother of pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii! How to find your child's ability
Another article about Mrs. Tsujii, on child development, has come up
♪ January 4 New Year delicacies for Nobu's family
In her "happy new year" blog post, Mrs. Tsujii wishes everyone good health and shares photos of delicacies (お節とお雑煮 New Year treats and Rice Cakes) at her home -- I imagine Nobu took a few bites ^_^
For a good description of the Japanese New Year treats, see here =>https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Osechi
♪ January 3 Watch the New-Year-Day special ...
Happy news! If you wish, you can watch the New-Year-Day special about Nobu on your computer.
Nobu performs Debussy/Ravel/Chopin/"Still we live on" in the Australian Parliament House; school visit; Opera House harbor walk; steering a tall ship.
Nobu rehearses then performs Beethoven's Piano Concerto No . 3 with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Vladimir Ashkenazy.
This is a beautiful production, a real privilege to get to see it. I only wish they had not (i) skipped the beautiful movement 2 of the concerto and (2) dubbed over the English narration of Ashkenazy and the concert master.
Here is a screen grab of Nobu in performance. In the background, seated in the center of the first row, are three of Nobu's top fans, Yours Truly included (we are the ones dressed in dark colors behind the bassoons.)
♪ What will 2017 bring from our indomitable Nobu?
What we know and what we wish => Onward & forward: Nobuyuki Tsujii in 2017
♪ January 2 /3 A More Mature Nobu
I like this screen grab posted with a tweet from the New-Year-Eve rebroadcast of the 2016 New-Year special.
紅白、観てたですが、途中で飽きて、BSフジに辻井伸行さんが居たので、そらを観てしまった。髪型が大人っぽくなってよね。新年もオーストリアの楽友協会ホール？ でしたかね??クラッシュを聴いて楽しんでました。自分はクラシック好きなのか？それと、綺麗な声の歌い手さんを好きます。
I got bored with watching "Red & White" and switched to Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii on BS Fuji. His hairstyle is getting mature. Was there a New Year show about Australia friendship concert? I enjoyed listening to the music. Do you like classical music? Also, I like singers with beautiful voice.
[The photo shows Nobu in performance. His hair style is indeed more mature-looking than usual, which I like; but this performance took place in Japan in 2015. I have noticed, over the years, thatNobu's hair is usually more stylish when he performs in Tokyo. ^_^]
♪ January 2 /3 "I want to apologize to Beethoven."
https://twitter.com/shunGyak/status/816098644189294593 [Great tweet]
高校時代、コンクールで弾いたベートーヴェンのピアノ協奏曲第３番！
それを辻井伸行さんが弾いていた！本当に同じ曲なのかと思い、ベートーヴェンに謝りたくなりました＞_＜
生で２回演奏を聴いたことあるけど、夢はショパンのピアノ協奏曲第１番を聴くこと！チケット取れないかな〜
In high school, I played Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3 in a competition!
Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii was playing it [on TV]! I couldn't believe that it was really the same song; I want to apologize to Beethoven. ＞_＜
I have heard his performance live twice but the dream is to listen to Chopin's Piano Concerto No. 1! I wonder if I can get a ticket.
♪ January 2 -- last of Three Consecutive Days of New-Year TV Specials about Nobu was shown to great responses
"Nobuyuki Tsujii × New York" 2016 Fuji-TV Special full version
This past October, we were treated to a TV special of Nobu's visit to New York City.
"Nobuyuki Tsujii × New York" 2016 Fuji-TV Special
A "complete version" of this show will air on BS-Fuji TV on January 2, 2017 (Monday) 16: 30 ~ 18: 55 (2.5 hours!)
2017年1月2日(月)16:30～18:55 ＜ＢＳフジサンデースペシャル＞ 『辻井伸行×ニューヨーク ～解き放たれた天使の翼～』【完全版】
This rebroadcast drew a surprisingly large number of comments - a good sign. It seems the entire "Emperor" concerto was shown, including the last two movements that were omitted in the previous broadcast, and both encores were shown.
Below are sample comments:
https://twitter.com/icoyuraco/status/815920274541449216 (Yura's tweet, with video clip)
NY 開放感に溢れたこの広〜いセントラルパークのステージで、日本人として初の伝統の野外ライブ最高でした🎶✨オルフェウスも相変わらずパワフルで🎵 ベートーヴェン『ピアノ協奏曲第5番《皇帝》』第3楽章エンディング♪🎹 辻井伸行 & 🎻 オルフェウス室内管弦楽団
https://twitter.com/icoyuraco/status/816045905048502272 (Yura's tweet, with video clip)
🇺🇸NYセントラルパーク野外ライブアンコール2曲め🎶オルフェウスも初めて聴く彼の『ラ・カンパネラ』に興味津々で鍵盤を覗き込むʕʘ‿ʘʔスタンディングオベーションや歓声もさすがアメリカンでいいな✨🇺🇸NY Central Park Outdoor Live Encore 2nd Song 🎶 The Orpheus also seen listening to his "La Campanella" for the first time -- seemingly looking onto the keyboard intrigued. The American Standing ovation and cheers are also good.
https://twitter.com/youcharist/status/815855643407958016
『辻井伸行×ニューヨーク ～解き放たれた天使の翼～』完全版 オルフェウス室内管弦楽団とのベートーヴェン「ピアノ協奏曲第5番」。皇帝。 前回は未放送の第2楽章、第3楽章も(^^) ラ・カンパネラで、見守る楽団たちの印象的な表情からも、そのすごさがわかる。 "Nobuyuki TsujiiNew York - Angel's Wings Unleashed" Complete version. Beethoven' s Piano Concerto No. 5 with the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. Emperor. The second movement and the third movement was not shown last time (^ ^) From the impressive expression of the orchestra watching the La Campanella, I can understand that.
More comments about the rebroadcast can be found here => http://mlliu2006.blogspot.com/2016/09/nobuyuki-tsujii-new-york-2016-fuji-tv.html
♪ Jan 1/2 2017 MORE COMMENTS ON THE NEW-YEAR BS-ASAHI SPECIAL
I asked Yura about the comment of Nobu "steering a boat" and she very kindly posted this tweet in response:
https://twitter.com/icoyuraco/status/815738906532462592
シドニー湾帆船クルーズで、船長指導のもと視覚、聴覚障がい者のための操縦体験をしました。
"On a Sydney Harbor Sailing Cruise, under the guidance of the captain, who provides a hands-on experience for people with visual and hearing impairments."
[In the photo, Nobu is shown being in a boat -- his hands are on a very large steering wheel, as the captain looked on by his side. In the background the tall buildings of Sydney can be seen.]
辻井伸行さんのピアノは、TV越しでも衝撃的に心打たれる音色。身体の延長上に、、いや身体がピアノ。彼の身体と魂が奏でてるような・・・。生演奏をいつか是非聴いてみたい。きっと泣くと思う。Nobuyuki Tsujii 's piano, the tone that he strikes on TV is astonishing. The extension of his body, no, his body is a piano. It seems his body and soul are playing. I'd love to listen to him live someday. I think I will cry. -tweet
昨日、BSで辻井伸行さんの特集番組を見ました。オーストラリアでの公演に密着。学校での生徒向けた演奏やオペラハウスでの公演は素晴らしい演奏の数々。1日7〜8時間のレッスン。天才でも努力をされている。思わず日本でのコンサートの予約完了。 Yesterday, I saw a special feature of Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii at BS. Close to the performance in Australia. Performances for students at school and performances at the opera house are wonderful performances. He practices 7 to 8 hours a day. Even a genius has to work hard. I put in an unexpected reservation for his concert in Japan -tweet
More comments can be read at 2017 Asahi-TV New Year Special comments
♪ Jan 1 2017 A BRAND NEW TV SPECIAL was aired
http://www.bs-asahi.co.jp/tsujii2017/
BS朝日 奇跡のピアニスト辻井伸行
世界遺産で弾く日豪友好の調べ
2017年1月1日（日）よる9:00～10:54放送
世界的に著名なピアニスト辻井伸行さんは、2016年10月オーストラリアを訪問した。 海外でのコンサートは、ほとんどが欧米で南半球は初めて。
BS-Asahi Miracle Pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii
Performance at a World Heritage Site; Japan-Australia friendship;
January 1 (Sunday) 2017 9PM - 10:54 broadcast
Mr. Nobuyuki Tsujii, a world-renowned pianist, visited Australia in October 2016. Most of his overseas concerts are in Europe and America; this is his first time in the Southern Hemisphere
Program description => 2017 Nobuyuki Tsujii New-Year-Day TV Special
Viewer comments => 2017 Asahi-TV New Year Special comments
As expected, there was a torrent of comments on the web, in the wake of the airing of the show. I post below some early ones with very rough English translation. Several notables:
Several postings mention that a narrator aptly characterizes Nobu's piano as "a hymn for living things"
Just as I had feared: The 2nd movement of the Beethoven Concerto No. 3 performance was not included. Too bad, that movement is the "living hymn". Listen to the recording still available here: https://soundcloud.com/user-77000641/nobuyuki-tsujii-2016-sydney-debut-v2
The recital at the Parliament House turns out to be quite unusual -- as mentioned by Yura in several of her tweets, with short clips (viewable on her Twitter page https://twitter.com/icoyuraco, I think even if you don't have a Twitter account.)
One twitter mentioned that Nobu is shown "steering a boat"!
Below are a few sample comments -- more can be read at 2017 Asahi-TV New Year Special comments
Miyuki of Hiroshima, long-time Nobu fan, wrote ...
the BS Asahi show went too fast as it was another great one! My parents loved the scene at the Japanese school because of the reaction of the kids there to Nobu's performance. I loved the scenes from the Sydney Opera House performance as well as warm words from Ashkenazy and the Sydney Symphony's concert master.
https://twitter.com/lovematejunko/status/815569539647684611
辻井伸行、世界遺産オペラハウスで日豪友好の調べ。シドニーで子供達との交流、船の運転等を楽しんだ。ウオルチングマチルダ即興演奏で、子供達は自然に大合唱。 ウラジミール・アシュケナージ指揮でシドニー交響管弦楽団とベートーベンピアノ協奏曲第3番を演奏。彼のピアノは生きることの賛歌
Nobuyuki Tsujii at the World Heritage Opera House Australia-Japan friendship. I enjoyed seeing his socializing with children and driving a boat(?) in Sydney. Waltzing Matilda improvisation; the children are chorusing naturally. Performed with Vladimir Ashkenazy & Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 3. His piano is a living hymn.☺️ [With a great screen grab, shown below]
辻井伸行さんのピアノの番組。小さなテレビで狭い部屋で聴いているのに、奥行きを感じてしまうような音色。 Nobuyuki Tsujii 's piano show. Although I am listening in a small room with a small TV, I can feel the depth of the tone.
ベートーヴェンのピアノ協奏曲3番。 アシュケナージさんとの息のあったいい1楽章、と思ったら、すぐ3楽章。なぜ2楽章を飛ばす？( *｀ω´) #辻井伸行 #BS朝日 Beethoven's Piano Concerto No. 3. I thought that it was a nice first movement with breath with Ashkenazi, cut to 3 movements. Why skip 2 movement? (* `Ω ') [This is exactly what I was afraid of. Too bad. The 2nd movement is the "living hymn. Listen to the recording still available here: https://soundcloud.com/user-77000641/nobuyuki-tsujii-2016-sydney-debut]
辻井伸行のピアノのテレビ見てるねんけど ピアニストと俺の差ってなんなんやろ🙄 時間で解決できるんかな やっぱ才能なんかな 辻井さんの演奏、 俺の胸に突き刺さってきた(笑)I am watching TV of Tsujii Nobuyuki's piano, but what is the difference between this pianist and me? I would never be able to play as well. I got stuck in my chest (laugh)
酔っ払いながら辻井伸行のコンチェルト聴いてる最高 Listening to Nobuyuki Tsujii's concerto while drunk is the best -tweet
♪