An old piano sits by a window in the corner of a tiny room in Seiji Ozawa¡¯s office in Tokyo¡¯s Seijo neighborhood. The 82-year-old conductor¡¯s father apparently bought it for him more than 70 years ago.
Upon entering the office for our interview, Ozawa sits on a chair next to the piano as per the photographer¡¯s request. Once the portraits are shot, it¡¯s time for the interview but ¡ª to everyone¡¯s surprise ¡ª he begins playing the piano.
Swaying gently, Ozawa plays slow, improvised jazzy melodies. The piano is out of tune, which gives the notes a nostalgic feel. Eventually, however, he finds a few decent keys, saying, ¡°the sound is good around here.¡±
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