Chopin Salon @ Home: Jon Nakamatsu
Until we can see you again at our live events, we are pleased to present the Chopin Salons @ Home. We sincerely hope that all of our members and subscribers are keeping safe and healthy, and we invite you to enjoy these specially curated programs online, at home, and at your convenience. [HINT: when watching the videos, click on “settings” and under “Quality” select the highest option.]
There is an old saying that goes something like this: “If you want something done, ask someone who is busy.” It is almost inevitable that workaholics earn a reputation for having the ability to achieve more in week than others seem to accomplish in a year. Knowing this, we decided to call on this week’s featured artist, Jon Nakamatsu, understanding that in spite of the on-going pandemic and California wildfires, he is still able to balance a demanding online summer festival schedule while teaching piano and enjoying his role as “Dad” to a growing toddler.
Mr. Nakamatsu graciously agreed to work with us to put together a an exciting program that is a bit different, and proves he is a terrific collaborative artist. Let’s take a listen to this gorgeous Mendelssohn piano trio:
Rewards and Challenges of Chamber playing
Chopin (1810 - 1849) and Mendelssohn (1809 - 1847) were contemporaries and shared a mutual respect. “Let me remind you that even if you do possess friends and admirers worthier and closer to you, none is more sincere than I,” wrote Chopin in a letter of 1845 and in another letter from 1844, Mendelssohn asked Chopin if he would “write a few bars” for his wife Cécile. This particular Mendelssohn trio was composed in 1839.
Jon Nakamatsu told us about how this performance came together: “One of my favorite summer destinations is the Colorado College Summer Music Festival. I have been a guest for at least 10 seasons and love it more each year. Faculty artists perform concerts (as in this recording) and students get coaching in chamber music and orchestra repertoire. The student progress is extraordinary, which inspires the faculty to be at its best. This collaboration with violinist Scott Yoo and cellist David Ying was a magical event, as we felt an artistic unity at the outset and enjoyed every minute of rehearsal and performance. With chamber music at summer festivals, one doesn’t always have the luxury of extensive rehearsal time, so it is always interesting to see and hear what ultimately results. It’s a thrilling ride when we onstage can play off the energy and musical telepathy of our colleagues and, perhaps, create in a way that hadn’t been discussed or predicted.”
On to Rachmaninoff!
Sergei Rachmaninoff loved Chopin’s music. In addition to being an accomplished composer and conductor, Rachmaninoff was a remarkable pianist who, with his famously large hands, recorded many works by Chopin such as this January 21, 1921 recording of the Waltz in E flat major, Op. 18 (click on link in yellow to listen).
In this next video, we enjoy Jon Nakamatsu with the Folsom Lake Symphony in a wonderful performance of Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2:
“This particular concert recording was very special to me because it was done with a fully amateur orchestra—one comprised of musicians who all have other “day jobs” and expertise across the spectrum. Often these types of collaborations are especially exciting, as everyone involved gives 2000% of what is required, trying to make the most out of every minute. There is an enthusiasm in such performances that doesn’t happen everyday, and this group in particular (along with their incredible conductor, Peter Jaffe) made this an unforgettable event. The Rachmaninoff, of course, is a staple in most pianists’ repertoire, much for the same reasons as Chopin’s Fantasy-Impromptu: Intelligence, inspiration, endlessly inventive thematic material, visceral excitement and a truly satisfying conclusion. Who wouldn’t love it!?”
Incidentally, it was Rachmaninoff’s Concerto No. 3 that clinched the Gold Medal for Jon Nakamatsu at the 1997 Van Cliburn International Competition - where he also won an Award for Best Performances of Chamber Music. Of course this was two years AFTER winning the top prize in Miami.
The Chopin Connection
“What incredibly fond memories I have of my time in Miami at the Chopin Competition back in 1995! It seems like a lifetime ago! I had met so many amazing people—many of whom I am in touch with still today. The performances that resulted from the competition prize allowed me to play debuts in important cities—most of which I had never set foot in before. With these recitals and concerto appearances, I now had a step into the next level: the Van Cliburn Competition just two years later in 1997. This was also my second attempt at entering the Cliburn, as I had applied in 1994 but wasn’t even let in to audition. I am convinced that without my experiences at the US Chopin Competition (and the wonderful support from everyone involved there—both then and now), no aspect of my present career would be possible.”
It was a great honor to have Jon back with us in Miami earlier this year. It was the second time he served as an esteemed member of the jury. Mr. Nakamatsu’s experience and insights are invaluable for the contestants and his students. We actually found a “motivational” speech that Jon delivered as he addressed the audience during the awards ceremony of the Cliburn’s fifth International Piano Competition for Outstanding Amateurs. (Click here for his Van Cliburn speech).
This episode of the “Chopin Salons @ Home” wouldn’t be complete without at least one video of our guest artist performing Chopin - which we know he does so well! We therefore conclude with this stunning recording of the Fantasie-Impromptu which was made a few years ago for American Public Media’s “Live from Here:”
“I first learned this piece when I was a teenager,” said Jon “. . . more at my instigation than my teacher’s. But it has forever been a favorite encore—not only because I’ve loved the piece but because audiences love the piece. Even those who do not know the classical piano repertoire are familiar with the tune of the middle section. Over the years, I have played it in almost every country I have set foot, and also at important family events: big birthdays, several memorials, celebrations, etc. It’s is in some ways just perfect music—clear in form, inspired, exciting, and with a most satisfying conclusion.”
There are any number of “fun facts” we could share about Jon Nakamatsu, but we thought it best if we let him reveal one rather personal secret: ”One thing that I thought no one but a very few knew (until I saw it in a news article) is . . . if I have a really great night on stage, the next concert, I wear the same socks on the same feet. I know that is weird and maybe borderline repulsive, but it’s one of the very few ‘superstitions’ that I have created for myself. I don’t have many other hangups—really! And if the streak goes on longer than normal, I’ll wash the socks. Even success has its limits.”
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Chopin Foundation programs are made possible with the support of the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and the Cultural Affairs Council, the Miami-Dade County Mayor and Board of County Commissioners; and the City of Coral Gables. Sponsored in part by the State of Florida, Department of State, Division of Cultural Affairs and the Florida Council on Arts and Culture; Funding Arts Broward; the Miami Salon Group; and scores of generous donors.