This is an English translation of an article published in Nikkan San on Aug 1, 2019, as a part of my column, “The Way of the Pianist.
Beyonce said “If everything was perfect, you would never learn, and you would never grow.” There are always challenges to any performances.
I am writing this article in Japan to perform concerts in Japan for the 19th year in a row. Japan is very humid during summer. Even without moving, just by being outside, your entire body is covered in sweat. It is surprising to discover how many pours you must have all over your body, in order to produce this much sweat!
Sound waves do not travel as well through air thick with moisture. A chord that can travel freely under a dark blue sky in a dry weather can sound sluggish by adding a lot of humidity in the air. And Western instruments were designed for European climates with less humidity. For example, piano is made of wood, metal and felt. They each respond differently to the change in temperature, and humidity. The difference causes the piano to go out of tune, and for the mechanism to become misaligned. In extreme cases, felt around hammers that hit the strings can absorb moisture and expand, causing frictions against neighboring hammers with the same problem. This can cause the piano keys to become heavier.
Despite the challenges, performing is always a joy. Or, maybe I should say, because of the challenges, music is always a joy. My program I am touring with this year is “Piano Waterscapes,” featuring pieces from Beethoven to Ravel, all inspired by water. They each depict water imagery from moonlight reflecting on a still water surface to water splashing, and fountains sparkling with sunlight. Because there is humidity, perhaps I should play more rhythmically, with emphasis on the higher register expressing the water and light…. How to bring out the best of each piece under each conditions I am faced with for each performance is a part of this art form. And being creative around the given circumstances and challenges makes one a better performer, musician, and an artist.
I want my audience to feel cooler after hearing my “Piano Waterscapes.” And when they sigh contentedly, smiling as they applaud, I forget all about my sweating and the humidity. Music is so powerful!