Keyboardist & Composer
Genzoh Takehisa
武久源造
Entering through historic instruments and research
to create the new music of the 21st century —
in pursuit of the sound Bach sought, with the Silbermann piano
he restored and refined with his own hands, the harpsichord, and the organ.
Philosophy
Historic instruments are not a destination — they are a gateway. To create the new music of the 21st century out of the sound that Bach pursued: that is Genzoh Takehisa's life work. Performances and improvisations on the Silbermann piano he restored and improved himself, original compositions, and Bach on the harpsichord are shared in concert, on record, and on his official YouTube channel.
Biography
Born in 1957 in Matsuyama, Ehime, Japan. Graduated from the Tokyo University of the Arts (Graduate School of Musicology) in 1984.
"Simply convincing, incredibly effective," said music critics of Genzoh Takehisa's interpretation of Buxtehude's organ works, along with his own oratorio "Creation," during a German tour with Musica Poetica. Takehisa began learning the harpsichord in 1969 at the age of twelve. At the Tokyo University of the Arts he majored in the rhetorical theory of 16th- and 17th-century European music.
Performing professionally throughout Japan since 1984, Takehisa commands a repertoire that ranges from the Middle Ages to contemporary works, and has been composing and arranging since 1986. His many recordings on the ALM and Aeolian labels — more than 35 CDs to date, including his own productions — demonstrate his virtuosity on harpsichord, organ and fortepiano. Numerous albums, among them the Goldberg Variations and the series "The Realms of Keyboard Music," have been selected as recordings of special merit by the leading music journal "Record Geijutsu." In 2000 he founded his own vocal and instrumental ensemble, Conversum Musicum, with which he toured Korea annually from 2002, building a lasting musical bridge between the two countries.
In 2002 he published his landmark book "New People Make New Music." From 1998 to 2010 he lectured at Ferris University College of Music. In 2013 he conducted the first Japanese performance of Rameau's "Les Paladins" to great acclaim. In recent years he has performed annually across Europe — in Germany, Lithuania, Iceland and Sweden among others — with programs on organ, harpsichord and other instruments that always include improvisation.
Instruments
Silbermann PianoTHE HEART OF HIS SOUND
- Reconstruction: Kenta Fukamachi (2007)
- Model: Gottfried Silbermann, 1747
- Improvements: hammers, dampers and more, handcrafted by Genzoh Takehisa
- Pitch: A = 415 Hz
- Temperament: Neidhardt "für ein Dorf," arranged by Takehisa
A fortepiano of the type Bach himself played — its voice brought back to life, and placed at the center of Takehisa's performances and improvisations.
Other Historic KeyboardsHISTORICAL KEYBOARDS
- Clavichord
- Harpsichord (German type as played by Bach, equipped with pedalboard)
- Walter piano (fortepiano of the type played by Mozart and Beethoven)
- Broadwood piano (antique piano of the type played by Schumann and Chopin)
- and others
Knowing each instrument from the inside, working on it with his own hands, drawing out the fullest of its character — a way of music-making that instrument builders themselves hold in high regard.
Videos
Gallery
Concert Schedule
Concert and media appearances, updated by Genzoh Takehisa himself. Times are shown in Japan Standard Time.
Ticket information for each concert is provided within the individual calendar entries.
Discography
More than 35 CDs released since 1991, chiefly on ALM Records, many selected as recordings of special merit by "Record Geijutsu." A selection of major releases:
- NEW Bach's Alchemy Vol. 3 — The English Suites (complete), BWV 806–811 Latest album. Order on Amazon
- ALM Bach's Alchemy Vol. 2 — The Well-Tempered Clavier, Books I & II (4 volumes) Complete recording on harpsichord and fortepiano
- ALM The Realms of Keyboard Music, Vols. 1–9 A landmark series exploring harpsichord, organ and fortepiano — several volumes honored by "Record Geijutsu"
- ALM Goldberg Variations (harpsichord) Recording of special merit, "Record Geijutsu"
- ALM J.S. Bach: Partitas on the Silbermann Piano Performed on the Silbermann piano he improved himself
- ALM J.S. Bach: Concertos I–IV / St. John Passion / Handel: Messiah, and more Including recordings with Conversum Musicum
- Aeolian Beloved Jesus (organ arias) / Siface's Farewell / The Nightingale in Love "Beloved Jesus" — recording of special merit, "Record Geijutsu"
Lessons
A small number of students are welcomed. The following instruments are available for lessons:
- Clavichord
- Harpsichord (German type as played by Bach, with pedalboard)
- Silbermann piano (fortepiano of the type Bach played)
- Walter piano (fortepiano of the type played by Mozart and Beethoven)
- Broadwood piano (antique piano of the type played by Schumann and Chopin), and others
Technique, interpretation, practical ideas for concert performance — from fundamentals to the future-minded and creative, every question is welcome.
Adults
University students
High school & younger
Fees are per lesson. Frequency and format are arranged to suit each student.
Applications: info@genzohtakehisa.com
Contact
For concert and event engagements, TV and radio appearances,
talks, seminars and all other inquiries:
Genzoh Project