Hornist Nobuaki Fukukawa brings together world-class musicians
New recording packed with joyful live performances now released

At the initiative of hornist Nobuaki Fukukawa, who showcases boundless talent as a soloist, the “International Wind Summit 2024” brought together world-class wind musicians. From the three-day series of concerts held in Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, the live performance from the opening day has been released as the album “Two Gran Partitas”.

This remarkable album features Mozart’s masterpiece, Serenade No. 10 “Gran Partita” K.361 (370a), along with the world premiere of Dai Fujikura’s new composition of the same title and instrumentation, “Gran Partita”. We spoke with Fukukawa about this noteworthy release.

— It’s an impressive lineup. Did you personally invite everyone, Mr. Fukukawa?

Fukukawa: I knew that all of them were outstanding musicians, and I’ve worked with some of them before. With clarinetist Nicolas Baldeyrou, we became friends through social media. As for oboist Philippe Tondre, we weren’t directly acquainted, but Ryutaro Hei, our double bassist, is friends with him and helped connect us.

— Bassoonist Rie Koyama and all other members are also outstanding, aren’t they?

Fukukawa: I don’t remember exactly when I first worked with Koyama-san, but the impression she left was so overwhelming. It’s not just her skill; her sense of balance within the ensemble and her commanding presence as a soloist are simply extraordinary.

Having Kenji Matsumoto and Taira Kaneko play the basset horn is truly the best. As for Hei, I love how aggressively he brings out his sound from the bass. When it comes to performing “Gran Partita”, there’s no one else I could imagine in that role. Whether it’s a small harmony or a one-second solo, every note he plays is filled with great music.

— How was the atmosphere during rehearsals and performances?

Fukukawa: Everyone was radiating happy energy and had such open minds. Of course, there were many issues we had to discuss during rehearsals, but beyond that, it was all about freedom. When it’s among top-tier musicians, even with few words, we can communicate musically, and that’s more than enough.

The first oboe and clarinet both being French nationals added a strong improvisational element to the Mozart pieces. The final concert in Osaka was particularly amazing, capturing the pure joy that can only come from live performances.

— A new piece composed by Dai Fujikura, with the same instrumentation and title as Mozart’s, was premiered.

Fukukawa: I have been friends with Fujikura-san for some time, but he wasn’t aware of this instrumentation initially. He thought it was a dull and uninteresting ensemble, but once he started composing, he discovered it could produce sounds reminiscent of gagaku (traditional Japanese court music). He mentioned that at times, the music seemed to flow out on its own. His piece will make an excellent combination with Mozart’s “Gran Partita” , which is performed frequently. With a totally different atmosphere from that of Mozart’s, Fujikura’s work provides a striking contrast. That said, the horn parts are pretty demanding to play (laughs).

— The streaming-exclusive recording of Dvořák’s “Serenade for Winds “ is also available.

Fukukawa: Streaming is so convenient, and I’m really glad it allows people to listen no matter where they are. In cases like this, where the performance couldn’t fit onto a single CD due to time constraints, having it available through streaming is truly appreciated.

I also hope listeners don’t just settle for the sound coming out of their smartphone speakers. I want them to experience the sensation of being enveloped by sound in a concert hall. For this recording, we captured the acoustics of Kioi Hall as they are, with the concept of bringing that same sound to the streaming audience. I’d love for people to listen to it and then be inspired to come to the hall next time.

— Please let us know of your upcoming projects.

Fukukawa: In 2025, the ‘Horn Summit’ will be held. I also have ambitions to hold summits for Baroque music and brass each once every year… Additionally, I hope to perform and record the quintet for piano and winds by Mozart and Beethoven with the similar members as this time.