Kanon Special Live

Kanon Special Live
02 May 2009
(O.A. 14 Jun 2009)
BS11 SPECIAL
Official Site

Kanon presents a special live mini-concert within an intimate setting consisting of piano performances accompanied by a small acoustic ensemble (cello, classical guitar).  I have made commentaries for the songs that I felt were unique or warranted further explanation.  Many thanks to Hiro-san for the video!

Setlist

1. The Water is Wide

Also known as O Waly, Waly, The Water is Wide is an English folk song from the 1600′s later popularized by many artists in the 21st century.  Some of you may recognize that it has been used as the tune for the hymn When I Survey the Wondrous Cross.  Available on Hymn of Grace, Kanon’s debut album.

2. Wings to Fly～翼をください
(Wings to Fly~Tsubasa wo Kudasai / Wings to Fly~Please Give Me Wings)

3. Lingering Snow~なごり雪
(Lingering Snow~Nagori Yuki / Lingering Snow~Lingering Snow)

4. Never Say Goodbye

Adapted from Ravel’s solo piano piece entitled Pavane pour une infante défunte (Pavane for a Dead Princess).  I first heard this from Hayley Westenra‘s debut album, Pure, which I actually prefer compared to Kanon’s solo piano rendition.  (No offense!)  Kanon’s interpretation extends the phrases way too long, the piano arrangement also too long winded – almost whiny if you really listen to it.  In summary, the song sounds much better expressed as a simple melody.

5. The Power

Ah, yes.  This is by far Kanon’s strongest performance of the night!  Her expression and tone are just perfect, much befitting the song’s message.  Available on Kanon’s third album, Sanctuary.

6. Saga~This is my road

7. Arioso

What an interesting arrangement!  Literally, arioso means airy, and in classical music, it refers to a “style of solo opera singing between recitative and aria”.  Kanon sings to the tune of J.S. Bach’s Arioso, and she does the piece justice.  The arrangement on piano and her vocals complement each other, with a hint of the elements of “light” and “air”.  I believe Kanon penned the lyrics herself as I am unable to find them on Google. This is a cover of Susan Osborn’s The Tender Road from her album, Still Life.  (It’s a love song, of course.)  It’d be nice to have this song on her next full album.

8. I Dreamed a Dream

Taken from the musical Les Misérables but more recently popularized by Scottish talent Susan Boyle on the reality show Britain’s Got Talent.  (If you haven’t seen Boyle’s incredible performance, you must watch!  Very inspiring.)  Kanon herself performs with lots of emotion and expression.  Unique interpretation.  Perhaps another album track?

9. Sea of Love

We finally hear the full version!  I must say that I love it!  I’ll try to get my friend, mink, to translate it.  I really wish she would release PV’s like the other artists because this would make a beautiful video…

10. 明日への鼓動
(Asu e no Kodou / Tomorrow’s Heartbeat)

This is the first time I’ve heard 明日への鼓動 performed live.  Although not the strongest performance, it’s still my all-time favorite Kanon song because of its powerful theme, which continues to speak to me to this day as I progress in my career goals.  I was really surprised that she was able to hit that high note at the bridge – and this was nearly at the end of the concert.  Can’t get enough of this song!

11. Time to Say Goodbye (Encore)

Overall Impression

Advertisement