I recently had the opportunity to perform in a piano relay concert featuring a FAZIOLI F308, newly introduced at the Fukuoka Civic Hall.
This particular instrument is special.
The F308, made by the Italian piano manufacturer FAZIOLI, has been installed in Kyushu for the very first time. Just being able to play it felt like an honor.
So I signed up for the relay concert.
And then…
I completely failed.
Three Reasons I Failed
Looking back calmly, I can clearly identify three reasons.
1. I Changed My Piece at the Last Minute
First mistake: I changed my program right before the performance.
Originally, I had prepared something safe and familiar.
But standing in front of such a magnificent instrument, I thought:
“If I’m going to play a FAZIOLI F308, shouldn’t I choose something more ambitious?”
That impulse cost me.
A piece you haven’t fully internalized will betray you at the worst possible moment. And it did.
2. I Tried Using the Fourth Pedal for the First Time — On Stage
Second mistake: I decided to experiment mid-performance.
The FAZIOLI F308 is known for its rare fourth pedal.
Unlike the traditional three pedals, this one lowers the hammers closer to the strings, reducing volume without changing tone color — allowing softer dynamics while preserving clarity.
I had never actually used it before.
Yet somehow, in the middle of my performance, I thought:
“Maybe I should try it here.”
It did not go well.
Trying something new during a live performance is rarely wise — especially when that “something” affects touch and balance so fundamentally.
Lesson learned.
3. My Daughter’s Introduction Was Too Adorable
The third reason may be the most unexpected.
My second daughter performed right before me.
As part of the relay, each performer introduced the next one — and she introduced me.
Her introduction was simply… too adorable.
By the time I walked on stage, the audience was smiling warmly. The atmosphere was soft, tender, and filled with affection.
Which is lovely.
But it’s not exactly the emotional state you need when you’re about to launch into a focused solo performance.
I walked to the piano with the heart of a father — not a performer.
About the FAZIOLI F308
Despite my failed performance, I’m genuinely glad I had the chance to play the instrument.
The keys felt lighter than I expected.
The response was immediate.
The tone rose clearly and effortlessly from the instrument.
It was remarkably easy to play — and incredibly expressive.
Even though my performance fell apart, the piano itself was extraordinary.
Failure, but Grateful
Was it frustrating? Of course.
But at the same time, I’m deeply grateful.
Grateful that my daughter and I could share the same stage.
Grateful that I could experience such a world-class instrument.
Grateful for the opportunity to fail — and reflect.
Sometimes the most memorable performances aren’t the perfect ones.
They’re the ones that remind you why you play in the first place.
And for that, this “failure” was worth it.