Next Topic (VOICES FROM THE WORLD TO THE NIIBORI GUITAR ORCHESTRA)
The 400 players each had the different career of learning the guitar, different job and different age, but their common point was that they all has been learning the guitar by Niibori Method. Although they could rehearse only a few hours in the day before the performance and on the very day with all members, they created the artistic music as one. It can be said that it was a miracle or Niibori magic. we believe that it was a result of 39 years of Niibori group's history of 'the research and development of the guitar, ways of playing, scores and the system of the education'.
* 'Dr. Niibori has a vision within the developments and enrichments he has made to guitar education, performance and orchestration. The blending of the instruments, the musical talents of the players and the visual theatre of the God of SAI is truly inspirational. The Niibori guitar orchestra in Yokohama is the centric of interest and direction from Australia and may I add, from the guitar playing centres of the world.'
(Edward Roberts, bachelor of education, examiner for the Australian Music examinations board of Western Australia, after he watched the international concert of Niibori Guitar Orchestra consisted of 114 players in Sydney and Melbourne)
* 'It was Chopin who said, "There is only one thing more beautiful than one guitar... and that is two guitars..." The sound of an orchestra of guitars therefore, created a magical sound that was greatly appreciated by the Australian public. In my opinion, the guitar is an instrument which is an orchestra in itself. It is an instrument of great versatility which can suit all musical styles and forms. To me, a guitar orchestra is like an epitome of the instrument itself. It is able to bring many guitarists together to form an enriching whole like a giant guitar able to produce an immense range of sounds and textures. As the guitar is a solo instrument and not a conventional orchestral one, the average guitarist is hardly ever given the opportunity to play as part of a large ensemble. Therefore guitarists miss out on learning orchestral skills and form feeling the great satisfaction musicians get from being part of a large group creating music together. A guitar orchestra seems like the perfect solution to the problem, allowing guitarists to work together to learn these skills and share music together.'
(Salvatore Strano, professor of the guitar in Australia)
* 'The expertise of ensemble playing of the Niibori Guitar Orchestra is of the highest order of any international orchestra I have seen in Australia or the United Kingdom. The execution of and articulation of passages was as close to perfect as possible. I was thrilled by the dynamic expression and articulation of the Guitar Orchestra. Once again the most controlled and best execution of classical music I have seen of any East or Western Orchestra. The Niibori Guitar Ladies Quartet were outstanding in their musicality and articulation. The sound and sonority of the 12 string was timeless and moving in its quality, more expressive than harpsichord or guitar. Overall, the Niibori Guitar Orchestra presented true mastery in ensemble, solo and chamber performance with great musical spirit and feeling. Mr. Hiroki Niibori conducted with true mastery, authority and musical inspiration. Australia was honoured to be privileged to participate in these concerts, which were inspiring to myself and my music colleagues in Australia.
(Matthew Fagan, guitarist, composer in Australia)
* 'Your creation of a guitar orchestra is one of the most ingenious concepts of our times. What you have done defies the imagination Wonderful, wonderful! Beyond my wildest dreams, I would never have imagined that Mozart, Bach and Beethoven could sound so absolutely beautiful, played by an orchestra of guitars. Your arrangements, the conducting, timing, movements and harmonies are absolutely superb. Dr. Niibori, I am sure that as your music infiltrates the entire world, and it will, you will be celebrated in history as one of the greatest creators of music in this century and into the next. You are to be applauded, your ingenious musical creation is truly international and without boundaries.
(Earl McMilin, Ph. D., Executive Vice President)
Niibori Guitar Music Academy, Editorial Office
143-14 Fujisawa, Fujisawa-shi, Kanagawa-ken, 251-0052 Japan
Phone: +81-466-23-8338 / Fax: +81-466-23-9337
