The following is an interview with Takatsugu Muramatsu, a composer and pianist from Hamamatsu. The interview was conducted at Roppongi Hills in Tokyo on July 18, when Muramatsu joined the opening ceremony of “Hamamatsu International Mosaiculture 2009” as Yaramaika Taishi (a goodwill ambassador for Hamamatsu) to promote the event.

“One with mental toughness will prevail” Takatsugu Muramatsu (Composer / Pianist)

----- Do you remember when the 1st Hamamatsu Competition was held?
Yes, I went to watch it! Honestly speaking, I didn’t get the impression that the level of the competition was as high as today, but I think the level went up as the Competition gained international recognition. I recall going to the hall to watch the 3rd Competition. The contestants were about the same age as me then, and my pianist friends and I went to watch the competition guessing who would win the 1st prize. I really think people of Hamamatsu are very conscious that this is the city of music. They may not listen to classical music in their daily lives, but they look forward to this triennial competition and, I’m sure, many local people enjoy getting dressed up, especially for the final stage, and going to the hall.

----- Do you have any memories of the competitions you participated in?
In a competition, you have to play to the best of your ability in a tense atmosphere which is somehow different from that of a concert. One of my memories of the competitions is having a gradually-increasing stomachache from getting too nervous as my turn approached -- I didn’t have the nerve to bear the tension (laugh). I think, in a competition, the contestants are actually very close in abilities; the ones who are mentally tougher and can perform to the best of their abilities will prevail.

----- Who is your favorite pianist?
I like delicate performance and, in that sense, Martha Argerich is my favorite. I like the type of performance in which the player has studied the piece well and plays it carefully, as opposed to emphasizing their playing style too much.

----- What do you recommend about Hamamatsu?
In November when the Competition is held, Mikkabi oranges are in season; they are delicious! If you drive about 10 minutes from the station, you will get to Nakatajima Sand Dunes and Lake Hamana. Hamamatsu has such a magnificent natural environment, although I didn’t realize it when I lived here.

----- I heard that you often come back to Hamamatsu. How do you feel when you are back at home?
I moved to Tokyo when I was 19, which means it’s already been 11 years since I left Hamamatsu. When I’m in my hometown and see people here, I really feel that many people are supporting me despite the physical distance. Here I can relax, recharge my energy in various ways and return to Tokyo feeling ready to get back to work.

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Born in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture, Muramatsu graduated from the Department of Composition, Kunitachi College of Music with top honors. He scored the movies, “Inugami” and “Totsunyu seyo Asama Sanso Jiken (Charge in, Asama Sanso Incident),” in 2001 and 2003, respectively, and composed for an NHK drama series, “Tenka,” in 2004 as the youngest composer in the history of the program. In 2008, he scored a number of movies and TV dramas, including the movie, “Climber’s High,” and another NHK drama series, “Dandan.” Composing songs for many artists, Muramatsu is also known as an active record producer and pianist. His latest album, “Piano Sings,” was released in February this year from EMI Music Japan.