Last performance while still a Tokyo resident
Although I am on my way to a new life in Seoul, I will perhaps attend yet more musical performances in Tokyo when I visit. But, the final performances while residing in Tokyo were at the Tokyo International Forum as part of La Folle Journee, a three-day festival of Russian music.The first was by the Capella de Saint Petersbourg of Rachmaninov's Vespers (or All Night Vigil). Wow. I am familiar with the work from recordings, and I do love Russian liturgical music, but hearing it live sung by people who know what they're doing and including those profound Russian basses, it was one of the top musical events of my life. Most moving and memorable.
Later that day, a performance of Rachmaninov's 3rd Piano Concerto in a hall so huge that there were screens at the side with high definition shots of the very handsome orchestra members (Orchestre de Pau Pays de Bearn) as well as the soloist Igor Tchetuev. I have heard this piece innumerable times, and this was an excellent performance and a great way to end my concert-going in Tokyo.
I have been so lucky to have heard some wonderful and strange music in Toyo the past 17 years. I hope that Seoul can measure up.
posted by Larry Wells @ 6:37 PM
3 comments
