Dive into the captivating world of Nikolai Kapustin's unique blend of jazz and classical music with "カプースチン ピアノ 全集II、 ピアノ・ソナタ 第 19番、ピアニスト・イン・ジョパディ 他." This album, performed by the renowned pianist Masayuki Kawakami, is the second installment in a monumental project to record all of Kapustin's piano works. Released on August 29, 2018, under the TRITON label, this collection spans a rich duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes, featuring 13 tracks that showcase Kapustin's dynamic and colorful compositions.
The album opens with the accessible yet essence-packed "Sonatina, Op. 100," setting the stage for a journey through Kapustin's diverse musical landscape. Highlights include the world premiere recordings of "Pianist in Jeopardy, Op. 152" and the monumental "Piano Sonata No. 19, Op. 143," a four-movement work that demonstrates Kapustin's mastery of both classical form and jazz improvisation. Other notable pieces include the lullaby "Berceuse, Op. 65," the virtuosic "Paraphrase on a Theme by Dvorak, Op. 108," and the dedicated pieces "Good Intention, Op. 137" and "Slight of Hand, Op. 138," both dedicated to Masayuki Kawakami.
Nikolai Kapustin, known for his unique fusion of jazz and classical styles, has gained immense popularity in Japan and beyond. His compositions, characterized by their rhythmic vitality and harmonic richness, continue to captivate audiences worldwide. This album, performed by the esteemed pianist Masayuki Kawakami, who has a personal connection to Kapustin and is a leading figure in Kapustin research, offers an unparalleled opportunity to experience the composer's genius. Whether you're a fan of classical piano music, jazz, or simply appreciate exceptional composition, this album is sure to delight and inspire.