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To tell you the truth when I was asked to do this classical concert my
initial response was 'NO'. There were numerous reasons.
First of all the arthritis I am currently facing... the pain of even
the smallest change in the angle of my wrists when playing the piano
runs through my entire body. Therefore I thought it would be
impossible for me to hold a concert at all in such a condition.
Despite all that, I am now right in the middle of preparing Violet UK,
globe and of course recording for things like the World Expo, etc...
So in terms of timing and preparation, I'm not yet ready to stand on
the stage again. Also, I wondered how it would sound if I combined
Violet UK (which is now leaning towards more of a heavy rock/punk
style sound) with classical music, etc...
I want to spread the magnificence of classical music to a wider
audience around the world. I guess you wouldn't consider only that
fact would you? Even after I had turned down the offer, despite all my
problems and of the many numerous offers I was given, these were the
words that I couldn't get out of my mind. So I think it was those very
words that finally convinced me to perform in the end.
I often have conversations with myself... like... "Why am I here
now?", "Where am I planning to go from here?", "Why I am even alive?".
I believe the reason I am able to take this path now, and why I am
here today, is thanks to the many people who I have met and who have
continually supported me up until now. However, it was my inseparable
love of classical music that has made all of this possible, and before
long my connection with classical music developed in all the other
genres (including rock).
If it there was a big house, each room would have a different genre of
music playing. For example, one room for rock, one for dance one for
punk and another for pop etc... Let's say a person who wanted to try
each genre could open each door and experience each individual style
of music. Meaning they can open the "music" door at their own will,
sometimes they closed the door after they entered one of the rooms,
and sometimes they never tried to open it. Therefore, genres of music
are 'houses' full of different rooms and different doors!
When I thought about 'musical genres' I realized that the entrance to
my (musical) house was definitely clsasical music! (laugh)... I guess
that's how it is, right!? "Why am I going to have a concert with
orchestra now?", "What relationship is there between classical music
and my present music activity?". When I have been thinking about
those, I began to think again about my musical roots, and decided to
open the door in which there are every kind of genres.
I started playing piano at age 4, but now I want to 'ask/test' what is
behind that 'door' I first opened when I was a child. Even if there is
a wall, I want to 'see' (go) through it!
At first, I intend to write that this concert will be by no means
Violet UK's concert. But while I was writing this message, I gradually
noticed the relevancy of Violet UK and classical music. One of Violet
UK's concept is the challenge of taking away every genres so that I
decide just now to try to do it on an experimental basis (laugh).
Today is 29/12/02, and its 4 days before the concert. I'm going to
speak with Mr. Fujiwara (Dr?) and the rest of the staff (team) about
the program and whether 'I' should add or leave some songs. Of course
everyone will be nervous and anxious! (laugh)... And it feels like 'I'
am in X Japan again... On the day of X Japan's Tokyo Dome concerts "I"
often said to members and staff: Hey why don't we do some new songs
and leave out some old ones? Then their response was always "WHAT!?"
(laugh). So before 'I' make you guys worried... I am sorry... don't
panic too much... ok!?
I'm very happy to meet with such talented people as Mr. Fujiwara and
Mr. Constantin. Mr.Fujiwara has been working for this concert sitting
up all night every day. I also express my gratitude to the promoter,
participants of the concert and the member of Tokyo City Philharmonic.
Finally, to all my fans. Thank you all so much for supporting my
'confusing' work. This time you should thank all my staff for making
the concert possible (laugh). We don't know what lies ahead, so "I"
will always try to put my (love) heart into all my 'music'. I'll try
till the very end...
By Yoshiki
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