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The blind, genius
pianist Takeshi Kakehashi’s personal account of his life so
far.
“Itsumo
boku no naka wa
hikari” [I’m always filled with light] |
Written diligently in Braille
over a period of 7
years, amid a
demanding practice schedule, this is a work of unparalleled
documentation of effort, with a pureness in sensitivity and
soul.
The author has shown true courage, by surmounting
all manner of trials
with his sense of humor and persistence |
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| Author：Takeshi Kakehashi
Publisher: Kadokawa Shoten Publishing
On sale now
Format: Duodecimo, hardcover
Pages: 224 (with a 4 page frontispiece)
Price: ¥1,600 |
Author Biography: Takeshi Kakehashi
Born in 1977, Takeshi Kakehashi is a blind pianist. He came
into the spotlight after winning second prize at the renowned Concours
International Marguerite Long-Jacques Thibaud in 1998. With numerous
appearances on Japanese non-fiction television programs such as those
on NHK, as well as “Tetsuko no heya”,
“Ningen gekijou” and “Jounetsu
Tairiku”, his popularity has been steadily growing. He has
released 6 CDs, including a Chopin compilation. His pianissimo matches
that of any great master, and is said to vibrate with a sensitive soul.
This fall sees the 10th anniversary since his professional debut.
(Belongs to Kajimoto Concert Management Co., Ltd.)
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Contents
Born into a family of musicians, Kakehashi lost his eyesight
to retinoblastoma just a few months after his birth. However, he was
harmonizing to his mother’s singing by the age of three, and
by six, he was not only composing on the piano, but could accurately
reproduce musical recordings after just one hearing. Thus he showed an
extraordinary aptitude towards music, and despite his handicap, he
worked with his mother to attend a regular elementary school (even
going as far as to take part in a public campaign in order to do so).
Despite the language barrier, he decided to go to Vienna to attend
junior high school, and despite a relapse in his cancer at the age of
12, he went on to win numerous competitions, and become a first-class
pianist to perform with Seiji Ozawa, as well as hold a concert in
Carnegie Hall. All these stories, and more, are told with both courage
and humor by Kakehashi himself, who wrote this autobiography in Braille.
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Features
What does it mean for a human being to live? It is not a
pursuit of tranquility through music, nor simply a quest to gain
prestige. What does true courage entail? It most certainly is not a
momentary thing.
The story of Takeshi, a youth whose persistent quest for sound enables
him to overcome all adversity – as well as his mother,
volunteers, teachers and friends who support him. The refreshing
message of this book will make you want to re-examine your values.
A book which offers both courage and energy to the reader.
FFor more information, please see
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