This is a three-day, four-performance programme by double bass player Masashi Yamamoto, who continues to work on the theme of “What can I do with only myself and my instrument…”, challenging the boundaries of solo double bass performance with two different programmes: unaccompanied and all contemporary works.
The theatrical and huge piece “ZAB” was composed by Philippe Boivin about 40 years ago. Last summer, in collaboration with him in Southern Province, the unique idea was revisited. This performance was the first performance in Japan. He also premiered a new work commissioned to two outstanding Japanese composers, Masamichi Kinoshita and Yasunoshin Morita. A recently composed work by French composer Yann Robin will be performed for the first time in Japan.
He also performed masterpieces by John Cage, Jacob Druckman, Toshi Ichiyanagi, Dai Fujikura and Hinako Takagi, all of which are extremely unique pieces for solo double bass.
Combined with lighting direction by Seiji Hayakawa, which takes performance and space to the maximum limit at Atelier Dai Q Geijutsu, where even the performer’s breath can be heard, the three days of “one human and one double bass” took the audience into a fantastical world.