Classical Music..

02-11-07_2328.jpg
Originally uploaded by shoko.

Today orchestra I belong held half-annual concert! We had plenty of audience which we've never achieved since our orchestra started, as much as the hall is filled with people. Program was "Nutscracker" (full piece) and Symphony No.5 of Tchaikovsky. Though we're not sperb enough to move people by our sound, there were many families in the audience who said they enjoyed the program which is organized with story-telling. Not only the audiences, it is us that who's most enjoyed music itself!! Almost one year has passed since I joined this group, and I invited my friend for the first time. Kindly she gave me this beautiful bouquet and encouragement, that is somewhat really delightful.

Nagatoro

SUNNY NOV.
Originally uploaded by shoko.

On sunny november weekend, I joined orchestra camp at the far end of Kanto plain. Though too early to see red leaves, the air was clean and a little colder than that of city, it was great to spend time just consentrating on music. We had quite a good time practicing in such a beautiful environment and even sometimes making fun with our instruments. At night, we had ensemble competition within our club, and our congenial cello team won the award!! This is a photo of headstream where we strayed from the route on our way back. Off -road always brought me additional neat aspects of life.

Nessun Dorma

the Turandot
Originally uploaded by shoko.

Since the Olympic gold medalist, Shizuka Arakawa won the world title by ice skating on that music, the opera "Turandot" was catapulted into the limelight. Before that, I have long been prefered music and performing art, the Turandot was one of my must-see opera, along with "La traviata". Wonderfully, I had chance to face the histric(!) stage. Music and songs were literaly awesome, but more than anything else, I was really moved by mise en scene managed by Zhāng Yìmóu, including decorative stage sets which well represents oriental gorgeousness, fantastic light effects that drug us into the tale, and exotic makeup & costumes that made the show much more dramatic. During acts, I couldn't turn my eyes off the stage. Despite the princess role couldn't move due to illness, her voice was increadiblly specutacular. Wonderful night, I gotta work for those mind refresh.

Mind of Blue

Mind of Blue
Originally uploaded by shoko.

Yesterday, I was able to leave office earlier, and went to listen Jazz session at Aoyama with a friend. Though it was drizzling, there'd already been lots of people when we get there, and soon the show started. Music played by the Japanese piano trio has variety of tastes, jazz mixed with Latin, Tango, and even has influence of classical music. One of his blues named asian title reminds me the world of Hayao Miyazaki movie. (usually music composed by Joe Hisaishi) He well created his original beauty of jazz. To my surprise, two special friends of the musisian invited on that night were, former concertmaster of NHK symphony, Tsugio Tokunaga, and one of leading Japanese conductor, Michiyoshi Inoue. So lucky to share the great fun with them together.
It was too exciting to end up night groove, my friend and I had to go for another round. Despite it's in the middle of week, we enjoy drinking and talking till late night...

Opera is like...

I like classical music. I also like performance as ballet, play, and of course opera. First time I was interested in was my high school days, when a maniac music teacher always showed us opera DVD in his class. Before, as usual, I thought opera is sort of stuffed-shirt, incomplehensible art for the riches. But watching number of them, I realized many of those stories are really cheap! Mostly about murder caused by jealousy, adultery, or tale of lecherous load, etc.. actually a little difference from soap opera!(laughter) Since then, I got familiar with opera, taking history class of opera.
Though it's still quite expencive, I had chance to see real stage of "Othello" yesterday. It was one of program of "Tokyo Opera no mori" which Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa produces, for much more people can get in touch with opera, and get to know better. The stage itself was great except Mr. Ozawa was absent due to illness, actors (singers) were superb, modern direction using lights and dark effectively was provoking and impressive, music was nothing to say, overall performance was quite magnificent. But still, I couldn't help feeling funny at Otello, the naive, simple-minded general.

Life of Music

Life of Music
Originally uploaded by shoko.

Finally my life has changed!! Though I've long been used to take advantage of iTunes music store, I got my love iPod just recently. Surprisingly many of my friend had already have iPod or mini, I amazed its universal impact to our generation. Influences has not only affected to both electronics & music industries, well-known car makers gang up to set iPod-adoptable player available as its factory option, and every single luxury brand shops covers iPod accessories like leather cases or straps. Unfortunately, I have nothing to do with any of these related products, at least my music life became drastically enriched. Also, I'm enjoying podcasts like CNN news, which is good listening Einglish training...