Concert for late princess

"The strength of really good art is its ability to go deep into our souls," the Japanese conductor says, offering a philosophical take on his profession: "With the musical arts, our canvas is time and our paint is sound. The simple vibrations that make that sound are constantly changing, constantly passing away. You never get the same moment twice."

Yazaki, 62, will conduct the Galyani Vadhana Institute Orchestra's performance of Gustav Mahler's "Symphony No 4 in G major" tonight, in a tribute concert to HRH the late Princess Galyani Vadhana that also features soprano Katrin Starick.

"I had the privilege of talking with the late Princess after several concerts. She obviously loved music and got great pleasure from performances," he says.

Austrian composer Mahler (1860-1911) was one of the Princess's favourites. He composed nine symphonies with a 10th left unfinished. Few Thais know much about Mahler's music, which is why he was chosen for the programme, says Yazaki, whose 10 years as an honorary guest conductor and music director of the Bangkok Symphony Orchestra has made him a favourite with local classical music fans.

But he's also in demand in Japan and Europe, where he's taken the helm at performances by the Royal Philharmonic, the BBC Orchestra, the Oslo Philharmonic, Orchestra de la Suisse Romance, Orchestra Philharmonique de Radio France and many more.

 "Mahler's music introduces glory into a mundane world - the joy of heaven's light," he says. "He lived in the transitional period between the end of the Romantic and the beginning of the modern era. "You can hear the contrast with, say, Mozart in his music in the special mix of Romantic and modern styles that Mahler uses."

"Symphony No 4" was written between 1899 and 1900 but, "its themes and tone were formed during a time of upheaval and war that mirrors our own era of conflicts," says Yazaki. "Hence, the power to console that the music offers still works its magic on us."

The fourth is Mahler's shortest symphony, and the 80 members of the Institute's orchestra will perform without intermission for an hour. For the last movement, Starick will step up to deliver "Das Himmlische Leben", a song that presents a child's version of the "heavenly life", where food is in abundance and the bread is baked by angels.

Yazaki says he has witnessed enormous progress in the skill of Thai musicians over the years. "Twelve years ago, the situation was difficult, a lot of musicians were poorly trained. But right now, Thai classical musicianship is forging ahead. Youngsters are studying abroad and many have returned to boost the music scene. The audience hasn't caught up yet, but there's always a time lag between the quality of what's available and the public's appreciation. But I think the young audience here will expand fast."

He recalls getting inspired as a child to become a conductor when he attended a concert conducted by Seiji Ozawa. "It made a big impression. Ozawa was probably the first guy from Japan to achieve an international career as a conductor - and he's only 12 years older than me. I hope Thailand gets the equivalent soon," he smiles.

Conducting is not just about waving a baton around, Yazaki says. It requires the acquisition of three important qualities. The most important is the musical element: good ears are needed both for mistakes and to find the balance between sounds from different parts of the orchestra.

Secondly, there's the development of character: a conductor needs to be a good leader, trusted by the musicians in front of him. Finally, you need a grounding in one or more musical instruments so as to get an insight into all of them. "Nobody can play every instrument but a conductor should have some knowledge of each one. The piano is quite a practical instrument for a conductor to learn."

Yazaki acknowledges that their will always be difficulties and challenges to face for budding classical musicians in Asia but urges young Thai music students not to get discouraged.

"To interpret, transform and construct the music's blueprints into sound is our job," he says. "The audience comes for the magic of this unique event, since a performance will never happen twice. That's why travel pays such a big part in this job: the conductor needs to be there in person. I can't send my work by mail." 

Yazaki conducts the Galyani Vadhana Institute Orchestra with soprano Katrin Starick in a performance of Gustav Mahler's "Symphony No 4 in G major" at Bangkok's Siam Commercial Bank building, Ratchayothin, tonight. Purchase tickets at Thaiticketmajor or at the door.