English Conversation students at the Smith’s School of English スミス英会話 甲東園 have many interesting hobbies and jobs. Classical music, whether listening at home, going to concerts or playing, either as a hobby or as a profession, is one of those big, important traditions that is as much alive and well in Japan today as it was fifty years ago.
In fact it is flourishing. At Kotoen, there are three students who play classical music as a hobby, and at least another five who listen to classical music as a hobby. Even more interesting are the two who make a living from classical music. One plans to go to the UK to study music at the post-graduate level and the other is a well-known teacher and recording artist.
The six recordings featured on the the right have become like a kind of homework, something inexpensive and complicated to review, analyze and discuss. There are two German composers as well as two French, one Russian and one Austrian. In addition, there are two German orchestras of the highest recognition, one Dutch, and three American, two of which are relatively lower-tier orchestras but have nevertheless mastered the work in question for the respective recording. One has had the well-regarded Japanese conductor, Eiji Oue who is originally from Kyoto and has conducted the Osaka Symphony Orchestra. I am often invited to come listen live by my students! Great luck!
Martin Werner Zander
マーティン・ワーナー・ザンダー
Smith’s School of English in Kotoen 月謝制 Real Monthly Tuition English Conversation School
スミス英会話 甲東園 甲東園校 仁川
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