Mujitsu and Tairaku's Shakuhachi BBQ

I went.

It was very good. And it was exciting to hear the shakuhachi in a modern, more Western context (most his previous works, while modern, have been for koto and shakuhachi). In addition, he made interesting use of non-shakuhachi Japanese musical techniques like tone clusters from gagaku music (these are usually played on the sho, but in the Concerto were played on the strings, to outstanding effect). It seems that Schlefer-sensei's compositional style and outlook are maturing rapidly, and I look forward to his future compositional forays.

In addition to composing, Schlefer-sensei played the shakuhachi part (and played brilliantly). Plus, the orchestra that backed him was really good, as was the sound where I saw it (Merkin Hall), so the experience was really a fantastic one, and especially so for a lover of shakuhachi, Japanese, and classical Western music.

I also have to say that the crowd reaction was very strongly positive, so I wasn't the only one who really enjoyed it.

-Eric

I was there also and I agree with Eric. It was very good.

Initially, I felt a bit jarred by the difference in the sound qualities between the western ensemble and the shakuhachi. Hearing the shakuhachi, played quite brilliantly by Nyoraku, within a chamber music context was a first for me. Plus, there were these powerful booming drum sections. Then, as the piece progressed, an underlying unity became increasingly vibrant and clear. It's a good sign if the player's are enjoying themselves. You could see these well-trained violinists and cellists start rocking there heads during the faster rhythms. Getting there groove on. The guys in the row in front of me starting doing the head rocking thing to, clearly getting into it. Evidence that the music was speaking to their bodies. The drums and the ensemble provided a strong foundation over which Nyoraku's melodies floated. A lot of sound. Pretty friggin' cool.

As a whole, the piece came off very well. It was powerful. I really dug it.

Kohl