Yuzuru Hanyu: 2016-17 Season

[daisy616]

"ato chotto" pose is now popular among the skaters : https://twitter.com/Pengin14/status/835743857782358016/photo/1

a transcript of broadcasting of Jsports4 (Yuzu's FS at 4CC): http://ameblo.jp/coco-aina-coco/entry-12251230382.html
Black letters are from Chizuru-san and blue letters are from Sugita-san.

 

[Altie]

I would suggest Wagakki Band then. They have a fantastic blend of shigin (trad Japanese singing), shakuhachi, shamisen, koto, taiko, electric guitar, bass and Western drums, and they do an exceptional job in fusing rock and pop with traditional Japanese music.

I recommend
Strong Fate: https://youtu.be/VQpGROZC0qg

Akatsuki no Ito: https://youtu.be/UE12dw7AnJo

Nijiro Chouchou: https://youtu.be/Xf3ZSOMJxQU

These guys are good on recordings but even better live! You need to watch their MVs (esp Senbonzakura) and their concert recordings on YouTube to know what I mean.

I can SO MUCH see Yuzuru skate on these !
But he's never skated on songs with japanese lyrics outside of Japan, so... Do they have instrumental pieces too ?

But to be honest, I'm a bit baffled by so many people here wishing him to play it safe with his music choices ? I mean, Seimei was glorious, and, while H&L is not my favourite program I still love and admire the fact that he chose something difficult and deeply personal to skate on... He's a great ambassador for japanese music !
Moreover, I must admit it annoys me a bit to see so many conventional, almost always western, choices of music on most figure skating programs.
Idk... Whatever his choices for next season, I just hope he'll be able to connect to the music and be in a happy place when he skates on it

 

[sublimeskating]

I can SO MUCH see Yuzuru skate on these !
But he's never skated on songs with japanese lyrics outside of Japan, so... Do they have instrumental pieces too ?

But to be honest, I'm a bit baffled by so many people here wishing him to play it safe with his music choices ? I mean, Seimei was glorious, and, while H&L is not my favourite program I still love and admire the fact that he chose something difficult and deeply personal to skate on... He's a great ambassador for japanese music !
Moreover, I must admit it annoys me a bit to see so many conventional, almost always western, choices of music on most figure skating programs.
Idk... Whatever his choices for next season, I just hope he'll be able to connect to the music and be in a happy place when he skates on it

Music enjoyment is different for everyone, but personally I LOVE the music he used for Hope & Legacy and the program itself is subtle, nuanced, and flowing.

The first times I saw it I didn't really get it, but after watching it a few times, I really love this FS and I find the subtlety a breath of fresh air.

I think the Japanese music he chooses are wonderful (probably because I LOVE Japanese music) and I'm also annoyed that the judges penalize him for skating to Japanese music. We live in such a diverse world, to limit skating music to only Western/conventional classical music is boring. (There, I said it.)

You know what I really wanna see? Skating programs choreographed to all types of music in the world, from traditional/folk instrumental music to modern music, and not just all the Western opera/classical music. No, I'm not dissing Western classical music (cuz I actually listen to heaps of this), but as commenters have said before me, why always Western music only? Figure skaters come from all over the world and diversity should be celebrated in all forms of art, dance, sports, etc.

Oh and Taiko drums are awesome and if matched with traditional Japanese instruments like goto, shamisen, bamboo flute, etc. can create something that is dramatic and rhythmic at the same time. Seimei had a bit of this traditional Japanese music flavor (minus the Taiko drums) and it was a great piece of music. The Hope and Legacy music is incredibly soothing and beautiful (too bad the judges don't like it).

Speaking of the commentaries, I've watched NBC, Eurosport, CBC, Japanese, and Chinese commentaries. I don't want to anger anybody here so I'll just say what I think and hope you guys know I mean no offense...

NBC: annoys me to no end the way they TALK LOUDLY ALL OVER THE MUSIC! Also they tend to gush a lot and I think they're somewhat biased.

CBC: I enjoy their commentaries during previous years (I think Kurt offers some insightful comments about skating) but lately their comments aren't as good as previous years (I hope this makes sense)

Eurosport: there are a couple of commenters but I remember there's one with a British accent and his commentary is quite nice in the sense that it's usually more objective (and he doesn't loudly talk over the music and affect my enjoyment of the performance)

Japanese commentaries are quieter and they're polite and respectful. They don't talk all over the performance (apart from some quiet exclamations in the event of something surprising) which is another plus.

Chinese commentary is the most objective/neutral I've heard so far. They focus on the skating techniques and presentation and are respectful to each skater. They also save most of the comments to before or after the performance (and not gush loudly all over the middle like NBC does which annoys me because their talking overwhelms all the music of the skating) which is good.

3As are some of the beautiful jumps out there and it's a real shame that they are being neglected in favor of quads. Yagudin had some of the nicest 3As and Yuzu also has beautiful 3As with complex variations in entries and exits. I always love watching Yuzu's different 3As in his programs because they are a thing of beauty.

Why would anyone give Yuzu's 3A at the end of his 4CC FS zero???!!!

 

[xeyra]

Music enjoyment is different for everyone, but personally I LOVE the music he used for Hope & Legacy and the program itself is subtle, nuanced, and flowing.

The first times I saw it I didn't really get it, but after watching it a few times, I really love this FS and I find the subtlety a breath of fresh air.

I agree. The more I listen to the music, the more I love the program, and where the jumps and spins and choreographic touches match the music. And it's not like it is entirely subtle: the music does have its crescendos, which are so very well timed to the quads. Well, when he hits them on cue (*cries at how perfectly timed that 4S-3T would be if he ever manages it*).

 

[sublimeskating]

I agree. The more I listen to the music, the more I love the program, and where the jumps and spins and choreographic touches match the music. And it's not like it is entirely subtle: the music does have its crescendos, which are so very well timed to the quads. Well, when he hits them on cue (*cries at how perfectly timed that 4S-3T would be if he ever manages it*).

Absolutely!

The way the music is structured in the Hope and Legacy program, there are soft bits and then dramatic crescendos every now and then (especially towards the end). This is why I want to see a clean version of this program, because if Yuzu completes the 4S+3T successfully it will mesh so perfectly with the music! Also the other elements of the music + choreography is just so fluid ... watching this program makes me feel soothed and I really appreciate how delicate and beautiful it is.

Not all programs have to be bombastic all the time. It's wonderful to see something like H&L. I love seeing Yuzu perform powerfully like Seimei, but at the same time I love the most subtle programs of his like Notte Stellata and H&L. His Let's Go Crazy is very fun and energetic so when he skates that and then H&L and Notte Stellata, it shows how versatile he is as a skater because he can perform programs that are so different in terms of emotion/interpretation and energy.

 

[jinabee]

Music enjoyment is different for everyone, but personally I LOVE the music he used for Hope & Legacy and the program itself is subtle, nuanced, and flowing.

The first times I saw it I didn't really get it, but after watching it a few times, I really love this FS and I find the subtlety a breath of fresh air.

I think the Japanese music he chooses are wonderful (probably because I LOVE Japanese music) and I'm also annoyed that the judges penalize him for skating to Japanese music. We live in such a diverse world, to limit skating music to only Western/conventional classical music is boring. (There, I said it.)

You know what I really wanna see? Skating programs choreographed to all types of music in the world, from traditional/folk instrumental music to modern music, and not just all the Western opera/classical music. No, I'm not dissing Western classical music (cuz I actually listen to heaps of this), but as commenters have said before me, why always Western music only? Figure skaters come from all over the world and diversity should be celebrated in all forms of art, dance, sports, etc.

Oh and Taiko drums are awesome and if matched with traditional Japanese instruments like goto, shamisen, bamboo flute, etc. can create something that is dramatic and rhythmic at the same time. Seimei had a bit of this traditional Japanese music flavor (minus the Taiko drums) and it was a great piece of music. The Hope and Legacy music is incredibly soothing and beautiful (too bad the judges don't like it).

tbh i think judges should give some kind of reward for using music that is interesting/from the skater's culture/underused. There's way too much of skaters using the same music over and over. If I have to hear the soundtrack to Moulin Rouge one more time........
And music like Hope and Legacy is a challenge, because it doesn't lead the audience and requires delicate skating to go with it (which is why I love it too ;A; ), if a skater chooses music that is a challege and delivers a program that works well with it, it should be recognised. Too many skaters playing it safe is why you get general audiences saying it's boring to watch.

 

[sublimeskating]

tbh i think judges should give some kind of reward for using music that is interesting/from the skater's culture/underused. There's way too much of skaters using the same music over and over. If I have to hear the soundtrack to Moulin Rouge one more time........
And music like Hope and Legacy is a challenge, because it doesn't lead the audience and requires delicate skating to go with it (which is why I love it too ;A; ), if a skater chooses music that is a challege and delivers a program that works well with it, it should be recognised. Too many skaters playing it safe is why you get general audiences saying it's boring to watch.

EXACTLY!!! EVERYTHING THIS!!!

Honestly if I have to hear another program with Moulin Rouge soundtrack I will scream. Not because I hate it (I love the movie and I have a copy of the soundtrack too that I listened on repeat many times), but because it's been done SO MANY TIMES!

The music in H&L is actually quite hard to dance/skate to because many parts of it are so subtle and delicate. Although Yuzu hasn't had a flawless performance of this program yet, I can see what he's trying to express through this program and I honestly think it's really beautiful. It's a real shame that many don't recognize this and his scores get punished for it.

I for one am sick of the same sorts of music being used OVER and OVER again. This is, as you say, why so many people say it's boring because it's always the same type of music (and hence the choreography is limited to the type of music too because you can't choreograph something that doesn't reflect the music).

My friends and family don't watch competitions now and only watch the exhibitions (even though my parents used to watch figure skating a lot back in the Plushenko and Yagudin era) because the exhibitions show a variety of performances, whereas the competitions are always using the same types of music over and over again.

 

[teeannroo]

I just wanted to say, I've been noticing so many new posters who have joined the forum and Yuzuru's fan thread since Decemeber 2016, I would love to also extend my welcome to all of you! teeannroo, NordEsque, Floria, xeyra, Fresca, Yuaz, liha, jinabee, sublimeskating, lilsailor, Sugiady, (gladiolusc, your post count is amazing already!) and I'm sure many more that I have missed. I hope all of you will feel welcome and free to share your opinions. Post long and post often.


Shh, don't think about the r-word, let's enjoy his skating now. What we do know about him is that he loves skating, it's one of the things that makes him happiest in the whole world, so maybe he will surprise us all, in a good way.

Thank you! It's such a shame that I discovered Yuzuru so late but I plan to make the best of his future performances

 

[Bonnie]

Speaking of the commentaries, I've watched NBC, Eurosport, CBC, Japanese, and Chinese commentaries. I don't want to anger anybody here so I'll just say what I think and hope you guys know I mean no offense...

NBC: annoys me to no end the way they TALK LOUDLY ALL OVER THE MUSIC! Also they tend to gush a lot and I think they're somewhat biased.

CBC: I enjoy their commentaries during previous years (I think Kurt offers some insightful comments about skating) but lately their comments aren't as good as previous years (I hope this makes sense)

Eurosport: there are a couple of commenters but I remember there's one with a British accent and his commentary is quite nice in the sense that it's usually more objective (and he doesn't loudly talk over the music and affect my enjoyment of the performance)

Japanese commentaries are quieter and they're polite and respectful. They don't talk all over the performance (apart from some quiet exclamations in the event of something surprising) which is another plus.

Chinese commentary is the most objective/neutral I've heard so far. They focus on the skating techniques and presentation and are respectful to each skater. They also save most of the comments to before or after the performance (and not gush loudly all over the middle like NBC does which annoys me because their talking overwhelms all the music of the skating) which is good.

The best commentators are ESP ITA! Love Max & Angelo

 

[Yatagarasu]

Aaron M did take fancams

SP is out

 

[xeyra]

that is the question. I mean like its almost straight out of a Ina Bauer :/ 4 minutes into the program. What else do they want??


told myself to stop lurking and do work but uhhh

The Mexican judge was kind of strange. They low-balled on the GOEs of the 4S and 3A but the PCS they gave Yuzu were rather high.

 

[gladiolusc]

Even AWG brings us more Yuzuru Post-AWG interview with Liu/Wang

We've all seen this --> Liu lifting Yuzu up, damsel-in-distress style

But apparently he also got to unzip Yuzu out of his costume According to Liu's partner, Wang, they were both in the changing room in Shanghai. Yuzu was just done with his performance and was all drenched, so he asked Liu for help getting out of his costume. Fans on weibo all clamoring for details waxing speculative poetics on the experience now. :

http://sports.qq.com/a/20170226/023653.htm

 

[liv]

I do not think Yuzu is penalized for using Japanese music, rather, he has not skated his program error free and thus not given them a reason to reward it. Seimei was easy to like, powerful and majestic and everyone loved it, and it was far more easily identifiable as being Japanese. While my impression is that they do not love this program as much, i do not think the reason is ethnicity of music choice, but probably more style choice. Some people may be incredulous at this, but I would not have known HL was specifically Japanese if we had not been told, so I am sure there are judges who were equally unaware. I think when skated well, the marks will go up, no question. Personally, I am glad he went the more sensitive route to show his range of performance and give him a mental break from the intensity of last year.

 

[NordEsque]

I particularly liked the beginning of 'Life' that sounds almost like a music box, I would start the program with that but only until 0:20 seconds in and then we cut to the string part at 1:03, and then it goes until more or less 2:04 into 'Life', after the build up is done, then Experience could begin probably at the point you mentioned and make the middle until near the end. I don't know how Night could be into that though, maybe as you've said during the beginning together with Life in some point. Though I'm sure that for me the last seconds would be the end of Experience starting at 4:56. :luv17:
But still, I've said I think it has the risk of becoming repetitive and it requires a lyrical skater to make justice to it.

I really want a combo of these pieces to happen now, I am so close to just sitting down and try to edit something together palmf: I neeeed to go and study). Yes the end with the violin is just heart breaking :sad46: in a good way

 

[NordEsque]

P.S : Personal choice, I would love to see him skate to the accompaniment of traditional Japanese string instrument like he did at the beginning of his Change ex program. It is engaging but gives out a different feel and impression than Seimei. It could climax at the end with the addition of taiko and flute too.

Seems like these past 2 seasons he is into doing a program with Japanese influence, so it would be nice to consider.

Yes! This! Love the opening, Yuzuru skates so well to the strings in Change - it is quite different and fun as well

 

[Yuaz]

Speaking about 'Change' ex, here I found baby yuzu ex for 'Change' XD

https://youtu.be/2tV5C8h7RR0

'Change' with 3 versions of yuzu XD

https://youtu.be/JvpvTL2QBZk

 

[NordEsque]

Just want to share this link again for those of us dreaming of a clean H&L with a beautiful timed 4S3T combo (it's not my upload though - thank you the person who did record this ) http://dai.ly/x4w6dsd?start=114 (or alternatively start at 3.00 to get to the build-up and combo directly)

 

[asiacheetah]

Absolutely!

The way the music is structured in the Hope and Legacy program, there are soft bits and then dramatic crescendos every now and then (especially towards the end). This is why I want to see a clean version of this program, because if Yuzu completes the 4S+3T successfully it will mesh so perfectly with the music! Also the other elements of the music + choreography is just so fluid ... watching this program makes me feel soothed and I really appreciate how delicate and beautiful it is.

Not all programs have to be bombastic all the time. It's wonderful to see something like H&L. I love seeing Yuzu perform powerfully like Seimei, but at the same time I love the most subtle programs of his like Notte Stellata and H&L. His Let's Go Crazy is very fun and energetic so when he skates that and then H&L and Notte Stellata, it shows how versatile he is as a skater because he can perform programs that are so different in terms of emotion/interpretation and energy.

I'm surprised to hear how many people dislike his H&L program. I loved it from the first time I heard it. It's so delicate and beautiful, both the choreography and the music. It has the potential of being my favorite LP of his (and maybe of all time). That's why I so want him to perform it without mistakes so desperately.

 

[Meoima]

I'm surprised to hear how many people dislike his H&L program. I loved it from the first time I heard it. It's so delicate and beautiful, both the choreography and the music. It has the potential of being my favorite LP of his (and maybe of all time). That's why I so want him to perform it without mistakes so desperately.

It's not "dislike", it's more like... "less enthusiastic". This is still men skating and drama is valued and appreciated more. The general public prefer theatrical movements I think. Yuzuru has strong threatrical sense so I have no doubt he can handle it well as he has handled it in the past.

I do think if he skates clean and consistent, he will get huge scores regardless. But Yuzuru isn't Zhenia Med, isn't Satoko. He can't skate clean back to back all the time especially with such difficult layout and crazy transitions.

About classical music choices, I do think it's safer cause it's more universal and in such a season like Olympic. But it doesn't mean he has to force himself to skate to it. I am sure he can find some classical music pieces that suit him and still have wide appeal to the audience and the judges.

 

[teeannroo]

I'm surprised to hear how many people dislike his H&L program. I loved it from the first time I heard it. It's so delicate and beautiful, both the choreography and the music. It has the potential of being my favorite LP of his (and maybe of all time). That's why I so want him to perform it without mistakes so desperately.

Yes I love it. Tbh both of his programs this year are my favourite so far and I've been desperately trying to find piano sheet music for H&L