久志能幾研究所通信: Request for improvement“Sendai International Music Competition”

　”改善要望案「仙台国際音楽コンクール」”の英訳です。

　　　　This time, I have listened to all the preliminary rounds of the three major international piano contests of Hamamatsu, Takamatsu, Sendai and Japan, and based on the comparison, I want the following improvements at the Sendai International Nusic Competition.

1. Change of task time

The playing time of the first qualifying session is too long in 40 minutes. Should be 20 minutes.

Both the Hamamatsu International Piano Competition and the Takamatsu International Piano Competition have 20 minutes to play the subject songs. There are difficulties in listening to a 40-minute performance when choosing among many candidates. The first qualifying session is a solo track, not a concerto, so 20 minutes is the best.

Because it is painful even for professional judges, it seems to have become a stupid act of closing the arena seat this time. For amateur music lovers who enjoy listening to the first qualifying session, it is particularly difficult for a long time (three hours in a row for two consecutive hours and 30 hours in a row). Human concentration lasts only about 20 minutes.

In order to be heard with confidence even for amateurs like me, in the first round of the first qualifying round should be judged in 20 minutes. It's a long game, with 36 people playing. If three players play it in succession, it will be two hours long. At the Hamamatsu International Piano Competition, 88 people will play. So it's a 20-minute performance per person. Then I understand the difference of the performance, the difference of the piano, and the fun to listen to the contest comes out. At the Sendai International Music Competition, it is hampered.

2. Management change

It seems that the judge's authority is too big. It should be reviewed. In the position of a third party, if it does not have the check function, the situation of blocking the arena seat this time will be revived.

In the attitude that the site manager also ignores the audience's voice, the name of the international piano competition cries. As it is now, it is a contest of country level. Both crisis management and compliance regulations are issues.

3. Make the most of the features

What is the difference between the Sendai International Piano Competition and the other two international piano competitions (Hamamatsu, Takamatsu). I do not understand it well. They should make a point and appeal the feature. It is said that the concerto is characterized, but it is not restricted in the first qualifying round. In the final, every contest will be judged in concert with the orchestra.

Although there is a commentary on the HP that presented its unique concept of concerto-centered, it is a semi-final and final task song, and such restrictions have not been described in the first round of the official HP. The finals at the other two international piano competitions are also the same for the concertos.

Comparison of domestic three major international piano contests

Challenge songs for the first qualifying round

1. Hamamatsu International Piano Competition Application Rules

All contestants will be screened over 15 days. (88 people participated in the 10th)

Play within 20 minutes with free choice including one or more practice songs. We will announce 24 people who will advance to the second qualifying on the final day.