Archive for March, 2009
Martha Argerich Concert 3/14/09
Saturday, March 14th, 2009She has been living in my heart for many years, and I was very lucky to hear her playing this week in LA. She has canceled last 2 engagements in LA! The last time I heard her was in Houston about 10 years ago. She performed Ravel Concerto with LA Philharmonic. This piece has been her signature piece for many years, and it still sounded very fresh. Oh— she is an amazing pianist ever! Her beautiful sound, interesting and thoughtful voicing, power, personality, her fast passages are so crystal clear, seductive slow movement—I am moved.
I grew up listening 3 big pianists, Argerich, Pollini, and Ashkenazy. My music friends and I often discussed how great they are outside of practice rooms in Toho conservatory. I can’t remeber how many times I listened Pollini’s Chopin Etudes. I am sure I was not the only one. Unfortunately Ashkenazy has been retired from piano playing because of his arthritis. And here comes Argerich! She plays as powerful as the pianist I remember. She looks exactly the same as I remember with little bit of gray hair now.
I truly think we were lucky to have those 3 big pianits for our goal in piano when we were growing up. This week reminds me of my student era!! Now I practice with fresh mind!
Spring in LA 3/10/09
Tuesday, March 10th, 2009I have been so busy performing and teaching so I have not been able to up-date my homepage. And I got sick! As you see in concert information I am playing many concerts in this spring. I am very happy to get these many opportunities 
I started to play piano when I was 3 years old. and I am still playing after so many years! Is’nt it amazing!! And I discover new things everyday in pieces I practice. And I am reminded very often how important the basic practice is, like slow patient practice with rhythmic variations. When we don’t have much time to practice actually it is good to stick with basic practice!
Last 2 weeks I performed all Mendelssohn program with my husband, David, to celebrate Mendelssohn’s 200th year! Oh! those 2 sonatas for cello and piano are great pieces to play and listen if the pianist practiced! Yes, they are very demanding piano parts! I think I managed OK to reach the point I could enjoy. We will repeat 2 more times on this program in later this month. Next 2 weeks will be concerts of trombone music with 2 trombone players, Alex (Tomasi/concerto) and Andy (all new music).
Ken asked me how he will get my CDs. You can get my newest CD “Cancion para piano” at CDBaby. If you would like to have other CDs including trio CDs please write to me and mail it to PO box address in Contact.
