An encounter with a Pianist who plays with one hand

CEBU, Philippines -  On June 3, Izumi Tateno, a world-renowned pianist, held an afternoon serenade at the ancestral house of the Sala Family in Gorordo Avenue. Mr. Tateno plays the piano with one hand. He had a stroke during a concert, and after undergoing rigorous rehabilitation, he had since then played using his left hand. You must know, first, before I tell you anything else, he is still very good.

The musicale was called “A Homecoming Concert”. This is not the first time Mr. Tateno had visited Cebu; in fact, he was with the Sala Foundation for many years.

The concert was short, but pleasant. The first to perform were the PPP Junior ensemble, conducted by Mr. Rodelio Glodove, of which I am a member. We played Ernani Cuenco’s composition “Kalesa” and “Dugtong-Dugtong”, a piece arranged by Prof. Jeffrey Solares.

Next, Mr. Tateno played a solo performance of a Bach-Brahms Chaccone in D Minor for Left Hand Alone. It was a very charming piece. Then, he played a three hand duet with Ayumi Hirahara. It is not common to watch a three-hand duet. Madame Ingrid Sala Santamaria took the seat next, playing Chopin’s Ballade No. 3 in A-flat Major.

The last performance before Mr. Tateno’s encore “Ave Maria” was “The Left Hand Piano Concerto” by Takashi Yoshimatsu. He was accompanied by Cebu’s very own Youth Symphony Orchestra, which was conducted by Prof. Ariel Perez. The concerto alone lasted about 20 minutes.

After the concert, several people asked to have a picture with him, and of course he was glad to oblige!

I distinctly remember in the rehearsal when we first met Mr. Tateno. We were being recorded by the NHK channel then, and during a break, he came in and exchanged introductions. He talked about his unfortunate stroke and his life before that. We were allowed to ask questions, and he very patiently answered them all. When he saw me, he pointed at me and exclaimed: “She’s very young!” I was flattered then.

I hope that he will have another homecoming concert the next time he visits Cebu. It is not every day that you get to see a pianist who plays with one hand! This also shows to everyone, especially those who have gotten into unexpected injuries, that you don’t have to be in perfect condition to enjoy music. Young or old, short or tall, injured or not, I can tell you, music can wow everyone and everything! (FREEMAN)