Review: "The Impossible" - Concerto for Solo Piano, Op.39, No.8-10 played by Dr. Yusuke Komura

~Not Your Usual Piano Concerto~

This was not something I've heard before, it was a first for me and also for Yusuke, who first heard this piece when he was 18, and thought it was bonkers and extreme in every way. The opening 5 minutes saw several really angelic moments surfacing up as his hands went across the length of the piano so many times, it was extreme already. During the sweet softer cascading notes, I was carried away to the rolling hills and the sweet white wines I sampled midday on my latest trip.

~Brief Background~

This epic performance was the finale to a month-long Thailand International Piano Festival. All evenings were dedicated to the art of piano playing at the highest level and to esteemed composers like Chopin & Liszt. Tonight was no different and the massive Concerto For Solo Piano by Charles-Valentin Alkan was performed by Dr. Yusuke Komura.

~Approaching 30 Minutes since "take off"~

When the speed slowed, I wondered what we were all feeling or connecting to the performer? How many notes is this per minute? We know at some point, he would accomplish 360 notes in 10 seconds. What strong arms, I thought… At this juncture in the first movement, I was leaning on curiosity. I really was curious what this piano journey entailed for me in the audience. And what it meant for Yusuke. “ A piece of this length with such physical and emotional demand was a new experience to me. I did my best to prepare for this concert and I think it did pay off. The audience’s reaction was a pleasant surprise” Also, it is over 1800 bars and Yusuke is doing it without any sheets. He is sight reading from within his mighty mind.

~A Reflection to Life~

Cliche I know, but the loud and deep executed moments sounded like hard work to me: like a typical work week. But they were gentle caresses too, and yearning… The first movement is 72 pages long and in itself, gargantuan work. It came to a poignant end as the performer's left hand went up in the air. Within moments, the second movement carried us forward as Yusuke forged ahead in this musical challenge. The second movement is Adagio paced and it was expressive. Profound sadness, melancholy and yet with a tinge of hope. It had all the hallmarks of a resurrecting Mahler symphony. But this was only one grand piano, one grand performer. Extreme…and in awe. As all great things, it ends. The deeply technical third movement was swift. Yusuke was sprinting across the piano before sending the hall to a crescendo of applause.

Chefs cook, composers write, and artists like Yusuke, perform magic with their art. He also looks good attempting this masterpiece. Before the applause ended, I had formed my conclusion: Not so bonkers now ya?

Calvin Lee, Creative Director

I had the distinct pleasure of attending Dr. Yusuke Komura’s piano recital on November 29, 2024, at Yamaha Music Hall, and it was a revelatory experience. The program featured Rachmaninoff’s two piano sonatas, performed with extraordinary technical brilliance and emotional depth.

Dr. Komura opened with Rachmaninoff’s Piano Sonata No. 1 in D minor, Op. 28, drawing the audience into its dark, dramatic world. His handling of the Allegro was masterful, balancing stormy intensity with lyrical beauty, while the Andante con moto showcased his exceptional control over dynamics and emotional range. The Allegro scherzando was a thrilling display of virtuosity, with rapid passages and sudden harmonic shifts executed flawlessly, all while maintaining the music’s expressive core.

The second sonata, Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor, Op. 36, was equally compelling. Dr. Komura seamlessly blended grandeur with intimacy in the Moderato, and his Lento was deeply moving, with each phrase imbued with haunting tenderness. The Allegro molto finale dazzled with technical precision and expressive power, a stunning conclusion to a monumental work.

The evening was capped with three encore performances: Debussy’s Ondine, shimmering and ethereal; Gershwin-Wild’s Embraceable You, full of warmth and charm; and Bortkiewicz’s Prelude, rich in Romantic expressiveness. Dr. Komura’s versatility and artistry made for an unforgettable evening.

Review: "Timeless Melodies: into the world of Rachmaninov"

by Dr. Yusuke Komura

Yusuke Plays Again

A concert by the Immanuel Orchestra was held in Gaysorn Village, one Saturday evening in March in Bangkok.

The members of Immanuel Orchestra are from the Klongtoey slum area. The orchestra is a Music for Life Foundation where music is shared with children and youths from the neighborhood. On this fine Saturday evening, Yusuke guest performed and channeled Mozart.

Piano Concerto No. 19 in F major, K. 459

W.A. Mozart

Before Yusuke graced the stage, the orchestra played an overture, and several young pianists came on stage to perform both in solo and duet pairings. Talents abound. It was heartwarming indeed.

Composed several hundred years ago, this piano concerto is in three movements. In the first movement, the orchestra played first before the piano “replied”

And it was a graceful reply, executed by Dr. Yusuke Komura and his decades of experience across continents.

The second movement was even gentler, and though this particular piece is not familar to me, I appreciated an evening with Mozart's composition. It carried me away and I visited the many sweet memories from a week ago.

The audience appreciated the performance and the applause only cresendoed as Yusuke took his bow after the fast and rondo-like 3rd movement. An encore piece was assured and before long, the evening ended.

A meaningful way to welcome myself back to Bangkok. What Yusuke contributed to the classical music scene in Bangkok is another encore in itself. Alongside various charities he spearheaded and played a role in, we can only say thank you. It was memorable…

Calvin Lee, Creative Director

Review: Mozart Concerti with Immanuel Orchestra by Dr. Yusuke Komura