This is an English translation of an article published in Nikkan San on July 18, 2019, as a part of my column, “The Way of the Pianist.
“To achieve great things, two things are needed; a plan, and not quite enough time.” Whether Leonard Bernstein actually said it or not is disputable, but the phrase attributed to him is so often quoted because it rings true to so many.
To live a life of a freelancing musician means that you have busy times and not-so-busy times, both in the extremes. For example in the nine-day period between June 29th to July 7th, I had seven professional engagements. Each event was different from the others, from a 30-min concert at a church to a 2-hour full recital, and lecture-concerts on various topics. I wore everything from a business suits to a full concert gown for these events, and jeans and T-shirts in between. My family and friends worry about my health and stress, but I love being engaged. Each event wakes me up to a new level of attention and sense of purpose. Everyday, I encounter new faces and lives, discoveries and surprises. Each moves me. Everything makes me want to do, and be, better at the next concert, and to the next new audience. Practicing with time pressure makes it efficient and effective. Priorities become clearer, and goal oriented practicing is invigorating. I love all of these excitements that come with being busy.
It was standing room only!
On the other hand, having a lot of time on hand is hard. I start re-examining everything from the way to sit at the piano, my attitude, the meaning of music to the meaning of life, how to be at the piano, and in my own skin… Sometimes, I try to imagine what the composer must have been feeling at the time of composing the piece I am practicing, and end up finding myself in tears. I do realize that having these times to restore my energy and inspiration is crucial to riding the momentum and enjoying the rush of succession of concerts when they arrive. And so I endure and face them as honestly as I could. Life needs these contrasts for us to learn from each extremes, and to keep on evolving.
I am in Japan starting this week for my 19th year of concertizing there. It will start with my master class and mini concert on July 20th in Shibuya Hall & Studio. From there on, I will be giving performances, lessons, conducting workshops, etc. throughout Japan. I am very excited!