One Handed Wonder - Izumi Tateno, The Man Who Rewrote Piano History With His Left Hand

Izumi TATENO's recital in New Delhi was a celebration of resilience, talent, and the transformative power of music. 86-Year-Old Proves It's Never Too Late. When Life Dealt Him a Bad Hand, This Pianist Created a New Tune

NEW DELHI, India – September 10, 2024 – The rain poured down relentlessly, but not even the torrential downpour could dampen the spirits of the audience gathered at the C.D. Deshmukh Auditorium in New Delhi on September 10, 2024. They had come to witness a legend, a pianist whose journey of resilience and triumph had captivated the world.

During the Japan Month celebration during September -October 2024, Delhi Music Society in association with India International Centre and the Embassy of Japan.

As the lights dimmed and the first notes echoed through the hall, Izumi TATENO began to weave his spell, his left hand dancing across the keys with a grace and power that defied belief.

Born in 1936 in Japan, Tateno rose to become one of the country's most celebrated pianists, his career spanning over 3,000 international performances and 130 recordings.

From his second-place finish at the prestigious Messiaen International Piano Competition in 1968 to the Order of the First Class Knight of the Lion of Finland bestowed upon him in 1976.

Izumi Tateno Live At IIC CD Deshmukh Auditorium

In 2002, TATENO suffered a stroke that paralyzed the right side of his body during a recital in Finland. Despite this setback, he made an inspiring comeback in 2004, performing solely with his left hand. His unwavering passion and resilience have endeared him to audiences worldwide.

TATENO’s left-hand piano repertoire now includes over 100 compositions from ten countries, with notable works by Takashi Yoshimatsu, who composed Japan’s first left-hand piano concerto in 2007.

A Night Of Musical Mastery: Recital Program Highlights

During his captivating left-hand piano recital, Izumi TATENO performed a selection of pieces, expanding the repertoire for left-hand piano. He played:

1. Bach/Brahms - Chaconne For The Left Hand

2. Scriabin - Prelude And Nocturne Op.9 For The Left Hand

3. Nordgren: "Furisode-Kaji" From Kwaidan ||, Three Piano

4. Ballads To Japanese Ghost Stories By Lafcadio

5. Hearn, for The Left Hand Alone

6. Koichiro Mitsunaga - Samurai

7. Takashi Yodhimatsu: 3 Sacred Songs, namely - "Ave Maria" By Schubert, "Ave Maria" By Caccini

   
   

Honors And Accolades Recognizing Tateno's Artistry -

• Second place at the prestigious Messiaen International Piano Competition in 1968, marking his ascent to global recognition

• Awarded the Order of the First Class Knight of the Lion of Finland by the Finnish government in 1976, underscoring his international acclaim

• Recipient of a prestigious stipend given by the government of Finland since 1981, a testament to his enduring artistic excellence

• Awarded an accolade from the Japanese foreign minister in 1996 for his exceptional contributions to fostering friendly relations between Japan and other nations through music

• Bestowed with the Sibelius Medal by the Sibelius Society of Finland in 2006, honoring his lifelong dedication to the composer's works

• Received the prestigious "Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette," one of Japan's highest civilian honors, in 2008 for his outstanding contributions and achievements during his musical activities

• Appointed as the Friendship Envoy by the Embassy of Finland in Tokyo in 2019 for the centennial anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Finland, recognizing his role as a cultural ambassador

• Served as artistic director for prestigious festivals such as the Finland Music Festival from 1989 to 1993, the Nordic Light Sapporo Music Festival from 1991, and founded the Oulunsalo Music Festival "Izumi Tateno and His Friends" in 1998, demonstrating his leadership and vision

• Founding member and chairman of the Japanese Sibelius Society since 1990, underscoring his lifelong commitment to promoting the composer's works in Japan

As TATENO's fingers danced across the keys, the audience was transported, captivated by the depth and emotion of his performance.

In the audience, faces were alight with wonder and admiration. They had come to witness a legend, but what they found was something more – a living embodiment of the power of the human spirit to overcome even the most daunting obstacles.

He continues to premiere new works and promote left-hand piano music through his Left Hand Music Library Foundation.

As the final notes faded into silence, the applause thundered, a roar of appreciation for a man who had defied the odds and emerged victorious, his music a testament to the boundless possibilities of the human soul.

This recital in New Delhi was a unique opportunity to experience the culmination of TATENO’s extraordinary artistry and perseverance.