On May 10th,2026, the latest work of Minako Tokuyama was performed for the first time in Tokyo. It was the second time it was played on stage, following its creation in 2025, in Kyushu, for the 10th commemoration of Kumamoto’s earthquake. The Japanese composer, famous for her piano works such as Nara music, and whose works the French public had a chance to discover back in 2018 in La Roque d’Anthéron piano festival, resorted to the form of the oratorio to tell the poignant life and death of Gracia Hosokawa, the daughter of Akechi Mitsuhide and wife of the daimyo Hosokawa Tadaoki. The drama takes place at the end of the 16th century. A converted Christian, she played an important role in the rebellion against Oda Nobunaga who wanted to ban Christian faith. Composed for 4 singers (soprano, mezzosprano, tenor and bass), 7 musicians (piano, cembalo, organ, koto, violin, cello and percussions, including a flute tune) one choir and on children choir, and supported by a narrator, this emotional masterwork is beautifully illustrating the life and passion of Gracia Hosokawa. Written, talked and sung in Japanese, this great and melodious works blends very skillfully such Japanese instruments as the koto and flute, Japanese harmonics, contemporary composition and the codes of the catholic mass as well as Gregorian songs, while some tunes remind us of Debussy. The accompanying narration brings to life the main characters, putting in perspective the Shakespearian, religious and political dimension of the story.
Eri Takahashi, as the main character, delivered a splendid performance, displaying the musicality and power of her voice. Her dialogues with Haruka enchanted the audience. In their supporting roles, Kobayashi and Chieko Yamashita brought a perfect balance in this vocal play, wonderfully orchestrated and written by Minako Tokuyama. Making a surprising entrance at the end of the first part, the Sakura Junior Choral, underlining the transformation of Tama Akechi into Gracia Hosokawa, ravished the audience throughout the second part. This unique performance in Aprico Hall was enthusiastically greeted and applauded by the audience, so we shall hope that there will be new opportunities to enjoy this masterpiece in the near future.
Conductor : Kenta Matsui, Orchestra Ensemble Kanazawa
Soprano : Eri Takahashi (Tama Akechi, Gracia Hosokawa)
Soprano : Makiko Yamashita (Maria Kiyohara, la suivante)
Bariton : Yasuto Kasuga (Tadaoki Hosokawa, husband of Gracia)
Bariton : Yoshiki Kobayashi (Yuusai Hosokawa, father of Tadaoki)
Narration : Emi Fukushima
Mezzosoprano : Chieko Yamashita
Piano : Kaoru Jitsukawa
Koto , Violin, Cello, Cembalo, Organ
Choirs : Gruppo Vivo, Kagekiha, Sakura Junior Choral
Autres critiques de TJ
– The flag and the apron
– The mistake
– The rite of spring
– HamletMachine