Music is experienced “in the moment.” The performer executes
the sound, which the listener absorbs in the context of the immediate environment.
Tomoko has had the wisdom of recording the performances of her students and herself
for decades. Tomoko listens to these recitals and analyzes them in order to
improve performances. Sometimes she waits a bit to listen to provide more
objectivity. She also copies the recording for her students.
Her daughter Beata remarks, “She would take her cassette
player, and tape record us around the house.”
Recently, Tomoko found audiotapes of her performances done
early in her career in the United States. One special tape recorded a musical
event planned specifically for Japanese people in the States who felt isolated
from their compatriots and home country. Tomoko both played the piano and sang. for this appreciative audience. In listening to that recording,Tomoko remarkes, “Hear how nimbly I played!” She rubs her hands, “Now I choose my pieces
carefully to suit the physical ability of my fingers.” In analyzing her
performance, Tomoko says, “My technique on the recording is very professional,
but I play with more depth now, I think.” She continued, “So many life
experiences have enriched my understanding and interpretation of music.”
Some of her students have been inspired by Tomoko to record
their own performances, often utilizing video to archive both the sound and the
visual experience. While it is not the “live” event, such recordings do bring
back memories and spark the same emotions as in the original experience.
