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In Search of Sound and Spirit: A Japanese Educator’s Journey Through Dutch Pipe Organs, Bach, and Sacred Spaces

(著) 田中強

作品詳細

[About the Book]
— A Japanese Man Falls in Love with the “King of Instruments” —
Often referred to as the largest musical instrument in the world, the pipe organ boasts a vast range and a volume that rivals even a full orchestra.
Once stationed in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, as the principal of a Japanese school, the author was deeply captivated by the majestic presence and magnificent sound of the pipe organ. This life-changing experience inspired him to embark on a journey across the country to visit church organs.
This essay collection explores the history of the pipe organ as an instrument, introduces notable church organs throughout the Netherlands visited by the author, and follows the life and legacy of Johann Sebastian Bach, often regarded as the greatest organist of all time.
After reading this book, you may find yourself falling in love with the organ, too.

[Table of Contents]
Chapter 1: Dutch Church Organs
Chapter 2: About the Organ
Chapter 3: Touring Church Organs in the Netherlands
Chapter 4: Journey Along the “Bach Trail”
Afterword
Appendix
Author’s Bio

[Editor’s Comment]
For the people of the Netherlands, the pipe organ is a familiar part of life. But for the author, who was born and raised in Japan, its towering presence and the way its beautiful tones filled an entire space must have been truly breathtaking.
This is the story of a man whose heart was captured by the pipe organ, and his travels through the Netherlands in search of church organs. We hope you’ll enjoy this heartfelt journey.

［Author’s Bio］
Tsutomu Tanaka

Born in Hokkaido in 1941. Graduated from Akita Prefectural Odate Homei High School and Chiba University’s Faculty of Education. Served as a teacher at Ninomiya Junior High School in Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture; a superintendent of guidance for the Yachiyo Board of Education; a director of a Youth Nature Center; and vice principal of Yonamoto Elementary School in Yachiyo. In 1987 (Shōwa 62), he was dispatched by the Ministry of Education to serve for four years as principal of the Washington Japanese Language School. Upon returning to Japan, he was director of the Yachiyo Education Center and principal of Yonamoto Minami Elementary School. In 1998 (Heisei 10), he was dispatched again to serve as principal of the Rotterdam Japanese School for three years. During this time, he focused on practical research regarding overseas education for Japanese children. His written works include “Ao-ki Polder no Kagayaki” (The Radiance of the Blue Polder) (Sōyūsha) and “Mijika na Shizen no Kenkyū” (A Study of Nearby Nature), published with research funding from the Ministry of Education. He has also produced teaching aids for astronomy, including a “Constellation Identifier” and the “Tanaka OHP Planetarium,” as well as original AV teaching materials such as the video “Katakuri Monogatari” (The Story of the Katakuri Flower) and the slide series “Kuroi Taiyō o Miru (Observing the Black Sun: A Record of the Total Solar Eclipse in Indonesia).” In 1996, he received the 45th Yomiuri Education Award (School Administration Division) for best achievement. He previously served as vice president of the National Planetarium Council and now works as an education consultant in the Counseling Office of the Overseas Children Education Foundation and as an advisor to the Chiba Overseas Children’s Education Research Council.