Piano Concert Report

Crystal Le

Music 50A

Piano Concert Report

I’ve heard a lot about Jon Nakamatsu, a Japanese American classical pianist who is the first American to win the gold medal at The Tenth Vancliburn International Piano Competition in Fort Worth, Texas. That was the reason why I went to California Theater in San Jose on October 20, 2013 for his piano concert.

This theatre is located on 345 South First Street, San Jose. It didn’t look big from the outside but when I walked in, I was surprised. It is a classy, clean and fancy looking and there are different levels of seating. Furthermore, the seats are very comfortable and the crowd is very professional. I just felt like I was walking in cathedral in Europe. In my opinion, this is one of the best theatres in San Jose.

Jon Nakamatsu’s program included: 2 Impromptus (Franz Schubert), Sonata no.3 in B Minor (Frédéric Chopin) and Carnaval, opus 9(Robert Schumann). He began his performance with 2 Impromptus. He seemed to understand every single notes and this was a magic with such sweet melodies. He had a unique interpretation. Special attention was paid to the alternating notes on the left hand while maintaining melodic lines on the right. His playing spoke of so much with just notes and no words and it really touched my heart deeply. After I listened to this songs, I think this is a truly song written in the moment between desperation and acceptance. Jon seemed to tell me what Schubert said: “Whenever I write of love, it turns to pain, and whenever I write of pain, it turns to love.” Impromptus are closest to the heart and soul of Schubert of all pieces of his music.

The second song that Jon Nakamatsu performed was Sonata no.3 in B Minor. It was one of the best performances of this beautiful sonata and Jon is an incredible pianist. The third movement was superb and I could hear Jon’s spirit in the music. I believe he was...