[translation] Non-no January 2017 Matsumoto Jun x Sakurai Sho - Orchestra Arashi
As Ninomiya-kun said "With J, who has experience conducting and Sho-chan, who's good at piano, the theme is orchestra," this dream project has come into reality! Finding about their appearance with the 22 musicians at the set, Matsumoto-kun x Sakurai-kun were flustered, "the hurdle is too high~". But, when the shoot started...... Matsumoto waved the baton magnificently, Sakurai played a song from his repertory, and showcased an impressive stage! (moved) We'll report on these two behind the scenes, who showed us their "star power" once again ♡
Thanks to the musicians, we've had another extravagant experience!
Both: (shaking hands) Good work today!
Matsumoto: At first I wondered how it would go, but when Sho-kun started playing "Beauty and the Beast" and the orchestra all joined in, it became a miraculous collaboration. It's amazing that he can play it out of the blue, super stylish! (laughs)
Sakurai: It's a song I played over a year ago, but I thought it might suit an orchestra. My performance was all scattered. I wish I'd practised before I came! Since MatsuJun is experienced, he did well.
Matsumoto: ...... It just looked like that (laughs). Actually, I don't know the development or tempo of the song, so it was like I was being pulled along by the performance.
Sakurai: So for both of us, it turned out okay somehow thanks to the orchestra members, right? (laughs) They've given us an extravagant experience.
Matsumoto: They really have. It was a great time! Sho-kun, are you still playing piano recently?
Sakurai: I learned in primary school and restarted about 6 years ago. Now, I pretty much just learn songs I want to play when I have free time. I'm totally at hobby level, and there are as many people better than me as there are stars, so if it can be avoided, I don't want to play in public...... But last year I ended up asked to be the entertainment at my friend's wedding. I couldn't enjoy the meal! (laughs)
Matsumoto: Ahh~ I guess you wouldn't have (laughs).
Sakurai: For the live performances in "Kouhaku Singing Contest" ('11) and "24 Hour TV" ('13), I was so nervous I could have died~. The time you conducted too was during "24 Hour TV" ('12), right? It was wonderful, so I remember it well.
Matsumoto: I was able to have about 2 months of intensive training with (world-famous conductor) Sado Yutaka-san. This thing called 'conducting' that I didn't really understand before, was understanding each instrument's sound and making it into a three-dimensional piece, and I realised that it's an amazing process. Sado-san's belief that "more than technique and talent, feelings are important" too, still remains in my heart. Since then, I can follow the conductor at concerts with my eyes.
Sakurai: Are you still going to concerts recently?
Matsumoto: Yes, sometimes. Just by hearing a live performance, you feel good, right? I feel like something comes out of it that makes us humans relax. If I had to say which pieces I like, it'd be "Bolero" and "Canon".
Sakurai: As for me, I go to a concert about once a year. Last year, being able to hear the full version of "Pictures at an Exhibition" that I used to play on electone was moving. Do you think the other Arashi members listen to orchestras?
Matsumoto: I don't really get the impression they do. But, once we asked an orchestra to perform the backing for an Arashi concert, didn't we?
Sakurai: That was like hyper karaoke (laughs). As expected, orchestras are grand!
Matsumoto: If today's photos show how special it was, and it's a little early Christmas present for the readers...... it'd be nice (laughs).
Please don't repost the whole thing anywhere. If you quote, please credit 'ihsarafes' or tag me on twitter @mottofreaky :D
Thanks to t-u for the scans ♥