A Moving Tribute to Fuminori Tanada

The tribute concert honoring Japanese pianist and composer Fuminori Tanada, who passed away last June at 64, is a powerful collaboration. It unites the Conservatoire national supérieur de Paris, where he taught, and L’Itinéraire, the ensemble he dedicated 36 years to as its pianist.

Tanada was a gifted musician and a highly respected pianist. He’s remembered for his generosity and passion for contemporary music. He joined L’Itinéraire in 1989 and taught chamber music at the Paris Conservatory. He also supported the flute classes of Philippe Bernold and Sophie cherrier. Cherrier, with support from the CNSM team, spearheaded this memorial evening. The concert, held in the Nadia Boulanger room, features Tanada’s works alongside pieces by composers who profoundly influenced him – Bach, Salvatore Sciarrino, Tristan Murail, and Maurice Ravel.

Exploring Spectral Music

Tanada’s catalog includes series like Mysterious morning (I to IV), Echoing, and Sommerwind. Sommerwind IV showcases two solo flutes flanking three groups of spatially arranged flutes. Conducted by jean-Christophe Vervoitte, this three-part piece presents light, refined textures. It focuses on the movement of sound and breath within the space, contrasting fragile emissions (wind sounds), delicate granulations, and brilliant moments. The final section’s split sounds evoke the techniques of the shakuhachi flute.

Sommerwind IIIb, also under Vervoitte’s direction, features a string ensemble.