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Where's the pianist?

Jan 16
1 min read

Of Arturo Benedetti Michelangeli's 1965 tour of Japan (March/April), Antonio Armella dryly observes that "Benedetti Michelangeli- naturally - did nothing to ingratiate himself with his Japanese sponsors/ per ingraziarsi i suoi sponsor giapponesi"!


There was big reception at the Italian Embassy in Tokyo, to which Michelangeli had accepted an invitation.  Jacques Leiser, trusted and loyal tuner CesareTallone and ABM were staying at the Hilton Hotel in Tokyo, which was located in Nagata-cho, Chiyoda-ku and had opened in 1965. (The Beatles had occupied the Presidential Suite in 1966.)


Foreign ambassadors, the Tokyo press, the Princess Royal, and the Yomiuri directors were present, but no sign of the famous pianist.  Finally, Tallone called Michelangeli's hotel room, only to be told, "No, I'm not coming to this pointless reception. I didn't come to Japan to joke around; I have to practise. I have a tour with no time for this nonsense."  


For Japanese people, social protocol at these receptions is paramount. Jacques Leiser, who recounts this story, admits that although he now represented the man, he didn't yetknow him.

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