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MUSIC
March 9, 2015
MUSIC | "Bach in the Subways," filling the world with Bach's music, holds its first event in Japan
MUSIC | A Musical Movement Bringing Live Classical Music to the People
The World Filled with Bach's Music: "Bach in the Subways" Held in Japan for the First Time
On March 21st (Saturday, holiday), the 330th anniversary of J.S. Bach's birth, Bach's music will be performed in over 129 cities across 39 countries worldwide. This movement began five years ago with a single musician playing in the New York subway, and starting this year, a similar initiative will take place in Tokyo. "From the Concert Hall to the Streets." We introduce the activities of musicians who aim to share classical music with passersby.
Text by MINOWA Yayoi (Environmental Journalist)Photographs by Music on the Earth / Bach in the Subways Day
It All Began in the New York Subway
When one thinks of classical music, many might imagine listening in a grand hall, perhaps finding it a bit intimidating. But what if you could hear live performances in familiar places like street corners, department stores, or cafes?
March 21st (Saturday, holiday) promises to be a precious day for experiencing the live sound of classical music in accessible locations, for free. Over 129 cities in 39 countries around the world will be filled with the music of J.S. Bach on this day.
About five years ago, on March 21, 2010, the birthday of J.S. Bach, cellist Dale Henderson played Bach's "Cello Suite No. 1" on a New York subway platform, marking the beginning of this movement.
Even amidst the hustle and bustle of the subway, Bach's music, over 300 years old, resonated warmly in people's hearts, naturally capturing the attention of passersby. Instead of accepting tips, he handed out cards that read:
"Today, we celebrate the birthday of the great father of music, J. S. Bach, by playing his music all day long. We share our love and respect for music with the people on the street, and aim to pass classical music on to the next generation."
Dale's actions sparked a significant response, and his story was featured in media outlets such as the NY papers and CNN under the title "He’s playing to save the music," spreading the news worldwide.
Inspired by this event, Dale designated this day as "A Day to Sow the Seeds of Classical Music" and, together with like-minded musicians from around the globe, launched the "Bach in the Subways" initiative. This movement has since expanded annually to cities across the US, Europe, and Latin America, and this year, it will be held in Japan for the first time.
Experience the Power of Music
For the event in Japan, Bach's music will be performed by musicians, both professional and amateur, who support the cause, at various locations throughout Tokyo, including commercial facilities like Daikanyama T-Site, Hikarie Shibuya, Mitsukoshi Nihonbashi, and Mitsui Tower, as well as the Hakuju Hall in Tomigaya, Shibuya, and small neighborhood cafes. Being able to feel the musicians' breath up close and hear the live sounds of violins, cellos, violas, clarinets, and more is a truly luxurious experience.
Hiroko Domon, one of the organizers and operator of "Music on the Earth (Bach in the Subways Tokyo Office)," says, "We hope that even those with small children who can't easily attend concerts, or those busy with work who don't often have the chance to experience live music, will come and listen."
"For this initiative, which aims to 'sow the seeds of music,' it is incredibly important for many people to have a memory of hearing live sound," Domon emphasizes.
She further explains the reason why this event is held globally on Bach's birthday:
"Historically, classical music was one of the disciplines pursued in search of salvation and happiness. Bach is the person who created the very foundation of classical music, its source."
The wish of those participating in this movement seems to be for people to experience Bach's music, the source of music, and feel its power.
Many Musicians in Japan Also Support the Cause
Many musicians in Japan have joined this initiative, eager for people to hear Bach's music live.
One such musician is Kazuki Yamada, one of today's most acclaimed young conductors. Yamada is currently based in Berlin, Germany, serving as the Principal Conductor of the Japan Philharmonic Orchestra and Principal Guest Conductor of the Lausanne Chamber Orchestra, among other roles. He has also guest conducted major orchestras both in Japan and abroad, and gained attention for stepping in for the ailing Seiji Ozawa as General Director at the Saito Kinen Festival Matsumoto (Nagano Prefecture).
On the day, Yamada will receive the baton of music from Japan by conducting the Dresden Philharmonic Orchestra from Dresden, Germany. With the cooperation of the orchestra, Bach's "Air on the G String" will be performed, and in Japan, the performance will be accessible via Ustream and other platforms.
Yamada notes that the aging of classical music enthusiasts in Europe is also a concern, and finding ways to engage younger generations and children with classical music is a challenge. In this regard, initiatives like this play a crucial role in broadening the appeal of classical music.
The Live Sound of Classical Music Played by Musicians
"Listening to music live is truly fascinating. There's the interplay between the conductor and musicians, the musicians' condition, and the interaction with the audience. It's a drama that unfolds unpredictably each time," says Yamada, describing the live experience of classical music and emphasizing the excitement of encountering music firsthand.
Yamada himself, now in his 30s and making a name for himself as a conductor, first heard an orchestra live when he was in high school. This means that children hearing classical music for the first time through this event could very well become future musicians or conductors.
Yamada also likens classical music to a detective novel: "Classical music is like a mystery novel. There are logic and motifs, and the fun lies in discovering how they are combined and constructed. Unraveling that is part of the enjoyment."
The depths of classical music are indeed profound. However, Yamada acknowledges that reaching that level requires a certain amount of time. The first step is to simply experience the live sound with an open mind. The "Bach in the Subways Day 2015" on March 21st provides that very opportunity.
In addition to Kazuki Yamada, "Bach in the Subways Day 2015" will feature many professional musicians, including Keiko Urushihara (violin), Masahiro Morita (violin), Rintaro Omiya (violin), Chika Edanami (violin), Takayuki Oyama (viola/conductor), Katsuyuki Miura (viola), Shunsuke Fujimura (cello), Kenji Nakaki (cello), Christopher Giesen (cello), Yumi Takayama (soprano), Masato Haji (tenor), Hiroyasu Yokoyama (baritone), Jakob Leuschner (harpsichord), and Masatoshi Tanaka (clarinet), as well as amateur musicians including elementary and junior high school students.
We sincerely hope you will take this opportunity to experience the live classical music performed by these musicians.
Bach in the Subways
http://music-on-the-earth.org/bachinthesubways/
http://bachinthesubways.com/ja/
Yayoi MINOWA
Environmental writer. Board member of the NPO "Sorabea Fund." In addition to writing articles and books on environmental topics, she runs a green cafe, "Fromae café & gallery," near Yanaka, Tokyo. Her books include "Towards Energy Shift: 123 Tips for Saving Electricity and Energy" and "Recommendations for an Eco-Friendly Lifestyle" (Asuka Publishing).
http://gogreen.petit.cc/