English Blog

A Movie “The Summit” 10/30/13 October 30, 2013

K2 is an extension of the northwestern Himalayan Mountain range and is located between Pakistan and China. It is known to be the second most murderous mountain in the world, the fatality rate is one in four climbers. There are only about 300 climbers who have reached the summit, and have seen the view from […]

Sir. András Schiff’s Monumental Concert at Disney Concert Hall 10/24/13 October 24, 2013

Sir. Schiff concluded his Bach Project on Sunday October 20 in LA. His program was J. S. Bach’s Goldberg Variations, and Beethoven’s Diabelli Variations. I have listened his CD recordings for many many times when I was studying Goldberg Variations, and finally I got the chance to hear the live performance. I was so looking forward […]

7th performance of J. S. Bach’s “Goldberg Variations” BWV 988 in Santa Rosa, CA 10/24/13 October 24, 2013

I finished my 7th performance of J. S. Bach’s “Goldberg Variations” on Sat. October 12. I have been living with “Goldberg” for a while. When I started to learn this piece, I still remember I was both very nervous and excited. I never had performed this kind of work in my life. I grew up […]

Opera Program Concert at “Classical Crossroads” in Torrance, CA 10/9/13 October 9, 2013

I created a new concert program including opera transcriptions for piano solo, and cello and piano, from Franz Liszt’s celebrated transcriptions to various composers’. The first concert with this program was at First Lutheran Church & School in Torrance for their new concert series called “Classical Crossroads”. It was so wonderful to perform at the newly […]

The Well-Tempered Keyboard Teacher (Second Edition) 10/2/13 October 2, 2013

I have owned this book for a while, and with my curious mind, I opened it again. Yes, it is very interesting, and very useful for many aspects in piano teaching in all levels. Chapter 25: “Great Pianists of Today” has very valuable quotes from first class pianists for their experience in piano lessons and performances. […]

A Movie “Blue Jasmine” 8/23/13 August 23, 2013

It is a fantastic movie. Woody Allen has made another excellent movie with Cate Blanchett’s exceptional acting. Blanchett is Jasmine. All of casts are so special, Alec Baldwin as her husband, Hal, Sally Hawkins as Jasmine’s sister, Ginger, Bobby Cannavale as Ginger’s fiancé, Luis C. K. as Al, Ginger’s lover, Andrew Dice Clay as Augie, Ginger’s […]

3 Hollywood Bowl Concerts – Brahms: Piano Concerto No. 1 and Verdi: Aida Aida, and Requiem 8/15/13 August 15, 2013

I am writing 3 amazing programs all together today. LA Summer tradition is to attend Hollywood Bowl for “Music under Stars” with beautiful breeze, and possibly with wine. I attended Tuesday August 6 for Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1. Helene Grimaud was the piano soloist, one of the leading pianists in her generation, and she […]

6th Performance of Goldberg Variations in Japan and Travel Through the Country 8/3/13 August 3, 2013

I came back to LA from the trip in Japan, the longest stay in Japan for many years. I spent about 3 weeks there. The concert was at the church in Odate City where I played at my teacher’s studio recitals at the age of 5 to 8. Odate City is my second home town in […]

The World of Music According to Starker  Janos Starker           Indiana University Press    7/20/13 July 20, 2013

I read this book on the way to Japan, and during my traveling in Japan. It is truly a fun book. As you know, Starker was one of the very very best cellists of our time. He passed away several months ago. I love his recordings. I never heard his live performance, but I once […]

A Movie “20 Feet from Stardom” 7/8/13 July 8, 2013

This movie tells us about an untold true story of the backup singers behind some of the greatest musical legends of the 21st century. So they are top backup singers. Yes, their lives are mostly behind the scene, but there are many many more singers who would like to be in their positions. Bruce Springsteen, […]