BG Films
BG Films is a collection of short documentary films embodying the mission of Bunkyo Gakki, which is "All for Musicians Delight". We invited British photographer
Daniel Lane to Japan as the director. We were able to collect valuable experiences in beautiful 4K images. The films show what’s behind the music, how skilled craftspeople and musicians come together to work symbiotically.
Within the collection is an interview with violinist Yoko Kubo - alongside intimate shots of her performing; we visit Gokayama, a UNESCO world-heritage site to meet renowned bow maker Ohse Kunitaka; and we see violin maker Yuki Hori at work in his workshop.
Violin maker Yuki Hori, has received high praise from the top domestic performers and overseas experts for his work. He discusses his journey and how Stradivarius has had a long lasting influence upon his work.
[ Full version (3:05) / Trailer (1:00) ]
MUSIC Credits:
Niccolò Paganini Caprice no.24 in a Minor played by Yoko Kubo
VSA Competition winner Kunitaka Ohse talks us through his career and why he continues to make bows in the historic village of Gokoyama.Â
[ Full version (3:21) / Trailer (1:00) ]
MUSIC Credits:
Bach Cello suites no.1 Prelude
played by Yo Kigoshi, with a bow made by Kunitaka Ohse
We hear about Yoko Kubo’s relentless energy and insatiable appetite for a challenge - and how she inherited the essence of former Virtuosi.Â
[ Full version (3:00) / Trailer (1:00) ]
MUSIC Credits:
Haydn string quartet op.64 no 5 "The Lark" - the 4th movement performed by Archet Quartet*
Archet Quartet*: 1st Vn Yoko Kubo, 2nd Vn Takako Watanabe, Va Sakura Kawaguchi, Vc Gen Yokosaka
(1st and 2nd violin made by Yuki Hori, all the bows made by Archet)
Violin Sonata by Tomojiro Ikenouch performed by Yoko Kubo
Bach's "Chaconne" performed by Yoko Kubo
Investing in the next generation of bow makers, we are introduced to the Archet workshop in scenic Odawara - located near Mount Fuji. We see how handcraft is applied in the manufacturing process, with great commitment to quality.Â
[ Full version (3:00) / Trailer (1:00) ]
MUSIC Credits:
Mozart Sinfonia Concertante in E-flat Major K.364 - 1st Movement.
Played by Yoko Kubo with Synthesizer Orchestra*
*Synthesizer Orchestra: Solo Vn Yoko Kubo, with a violin made by Yuki Hori, a bow by Kunitaka Ohse, Solo Va Sakura Kawaguchi, with a bow made by Kunitaka Ohse, Vn Takako Watanabe, with a violin made by Yuki Hori, a bow by Kunitaka Ohse, Synthesizer Sota Matsuzaki