Takafumi's Solo Performance on January 14, 2014 - A Short Review

So, it was the first solo performance of Takafumi Mori in India at the Aamod Centre of Liberal Arts. 

To say the least, it was a successful week as a piano teacher with a number of students telling us that he knew his stuff. So, it wasn't surprising that he wanted to lead by example by performing solo in a piano concert. 

Not surprisingly, the superlatives were flowing unabated, thanks to a dazzling show of skill by him as he performed three pieces and a final one that was a response to an encore.

The pieces that he played, in order, were:
Chaconne by J.S Bach & F. Busoni
First Movement - Sonata #2 by F. Chopin
2 Legends (St. Frances of Paola Walking on the Water) - Franz Liszt
Presto - F. Poulenc 

However, it wasn't the audience's reactions after the concert that really caught our eye but during the concert as well. Some seemed to be lost in the melodies while others expressed joy and awe of Takafumi's prowess with the instrument. Indeed, time stood still...

In playing with such passion for an hour, and from memory too, a number of us felt as if it was a spiritual experience - one which lifted us to another plane, if you will. And we're not exaggerating...

There was a sense of exhilaration that was felt by one and all, as we approached 7:30 pm, and thereafter - a feeling that parents who did attend the concert will vouch for. 

Finally, there was a question and answer session where Takafumi explained what he intended to do for his students as not only piano players but also concert performers. That said, an excerpt of the pieces that he played will be shared with the students shortly...

And as always, there are a number of upcoming Limelight concerts which include a Carnatic concert on January 25 as well as a Hindustani Classical Concert on February 4, 2014.