Kobaken in Flames
The other day, I went to Kofu in Yamanashi Prefecture to hear a concert by Kobaken—Kenichiro Kobayashi.
I have attended the maestro’s concerts several times before, but this time I was invited by Mika Miura, the freelance announcer serving as emcee for the concert.
When it comes to Miura-san, she worked part-time at Yahata Sushi for four years while she was a student. Even then, she was a student with an interest in classical music, so hosting concerts is truly a perfect fit for her.
On the way to and from Kofu, I also made sure to get a proper dose of trains aboard the limited-express Azusa and Kaiji.
Incidentally, on the outbound journey I reread Takashi Funayama’s Mahleriana, and on the return journey, Junichi Onuma’s Introduction to the Orchestra.
Today’s venue was YCC Prefectural Cultural Hall, and as the fifth-generation owner is acquainted with those involved, I was able to listen from the dress rehearsal.
The concert itself was of course enjoyable, but the dress rehearsal is especially fascinating.
Conductor Kobaken conveys his requests to each section, and they turn them into sound, bringing the performance into shape.
And then all of this is expressed in the actual performance.
Now, the performance was finally about to begin.
The first piece was the overture to Verdi’s The Force of Destiny.
The moment Kobaken takes the podium, he brings down his baton, so from the listener’s perspective, it feels as though the music begins all at once.
The second piece was Elgar’s Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1—often called Britain’s second national anthem—and it even included a chorus!
Although I had seen it on YouTube and the like, this was my first time hearing it with a chorus, and I was moved by how wonderful it was.
Miura, the announcer and host, also did a splendid job, interviewing junior and senior musicians between pieces and keeping the program running smoothly.
The finale was Mahler’s Symphony No. 1, “Titan.”
With its prominent brass and percussion, this piece is a particular favorite of the fifth-generation owner.
Both Kobaken’s conducting and the performance were tremendously powerful!
Unfortunately, I was not able to greet the maestro after the concert, but I was very happy to hear such a wonderful performance.
Thank you, Maestro, Yamanashi Symphony Orchestra, and Miura!
On the way home, I had an unagi bento prepared by Sekisuitei Yokouchi, a renowned eel restaurant in Kofu, and enjoyed a modest celebration aboard the train.
