Derived from a profound admiration for Murakami's literary genius and the enchanting narratives woven in his works, this program unfolds as an immersive auditory journey, guiding listeners through the fantastical realms inhabited by his characters. Even for those unacquainted with Murakami's literary universe, the experience promises an enjoyable exploration of select musical compositions. Delve into the distinctive tastes of this music aficionado, particularly his penchant for solo piano pieces, and discover the profound connection between music and storytelling.
On the Program
Solo piano selections by Liszt, Schumann, Schubert, Debussy, Ravel, Mozart, Brahms, and Sakamoto.
On Robert Schumann’s “Vogel als Prophet”:
“Schumann had created a scene of fantasy in which a mysterious bird lived in the forest, foretelling the future.” - The Wind-Up Bird Chronicles
On Liszt’s “le mal du pays”:
“It's French. Usually it's translated as 'homesickness,' or 'melancholy.' If you put a finer point on it, it's more like 'a groundless sadness called forth in a person's heart by a pastoral landscape.' It's a hard expression to translate accurately." - Haida to Tsukuru in Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and his Years of Pilgrimage