David Atherton recalls Bolet in Tokyo
- Blue Pumpkin
- Jul 5
- 2 min read
Jorge performed Rachmaninoff's third concerto in Tokyo on 9 (or 10) November 1988 with the NHK Symphony under David Atherton.
David Atherton (July 2026) has told me that his files show NHK Symphony rehearsals for Rach PC3 with Jorge on Nov 8, 1988 with a final General Rehearsal on the morning of Nov 9 followed by one concert on Nov 10.
'Including the rehearsals, I probably spent less than five hours in his presence and have no recollection of any social interaction. Normally artists go out for a celebratory dinner or something after the event, but I don’t believe this happened on this occasion. My memories of him are therefore pretty muted: quiet and reflective, not very outgoing whilst being unfailingly polite and courteous. However he was clearly not in the best of health. He appeared much older than his years and not the powerhouse I’d expected for such a monumental piece as Rach PC3.
'The French first half comprised Berlioz’ Francs-juges and Messiaen’s Et exspecto resurrectionem mortuorum for wind and percussion. Necessarily the limited rehearsal time was focused more on these tricky pieces - the Berlioz is one of his longest overtures and rarely played - ditto the Messiaen.
'Yoshiro Kambara who formed the Kambara Music Office was my agent/manager as well as Jorge’s. He was extremely involved in all aspects of our tours of Japan. He was one of the doyens of Japanese cultural exchanges and highly respected throughout the business.
'After the concert there was the customary autograph signing reception. I don’t think Jorge went to it - his health was probably being protected.
'Line upon line of audience members queue up bringing copies of your own recordings asking for signatures - one guy brought 41 dust covers asking for each to be signed. I remember the occasion vividly as it was the first of my many three week tours with the NHK; each week the signings would take over an hour immediately after the concert when all you really wanted to do is get out of your wet clothes and take a shower! At least the audience was passionate about their music...'
Comments