Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of classical music with "The Essential Takako Nishizaki," a captivating collection of 27 tracks that showcase the extraordinary talent of violinist Takako Nishizaki. Released on May 26, 2025, via Naxos Special Projects, this album spans a generous 2 hours and 25 minutes, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that highlight Nishizaki's virtuosity and artistry.
This album is a testament to Nishizaki's versatility and mastery of the violin, featuring a diverse range of pieces from renowned composers. From the lively "I. Allegro" by Antonio Vivaldi to the soothing "Meditation" arranged by Marcel Paul Marsick, each track is a testament to Nishizaki's ability to bring depth and nuance to every performance. The album also includes beloved works such as Tchaikovsky's "June: Barcarolle" and the iconic "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" arranged by Fritz Kreisler, providing a blend of familiar favorites and hidden gems.
Takako Nishizaki's collaboration with esteemed pianists and orchestras, including Andras Schiff, Jenő Jandó, and the Capella Istropolitana, adds an extra layer of richness to the recordings. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or new to the genre, "The Essential Takako Nishizaki" offers a delightful journey through some of the most beautiful and timeless pieces in the classical repertoire. This album is a celebration of Nishizaki's contributions to the world of classical music, making it an essential addition to any music lover's collection.
2025 Naxos Records2025 Naxos Records
Tracks
I. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Takako Nishizaki, Stephen Gunzenhauser, Capella Istropolitana
Salut d'amour, Op. 12Edward Elgar, Takako Nishizaki, Jenő Jandó
No. 6, None but the Lonely Heart (Arr. P. Breiner for Violin & Orchestra)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Takako Nishizaki, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Peter Breiner
No. 4, Wiegenlied (Arr. for Violin & Piano)Johannes Brahms, Takako Nishizaki, Terence Dennis
III. RondeauJoseph Boulogne Chevalier de Saint-Georges, Takako Nishizaki, Kolner Kammerorchester, Helmut Müller-Brühl
Violin Sonata in D Major, Op. 5, No. 1: III. AllegroArcangelo Corelli, Lucy van Dael, Bob van Asperen
II. Air ("On the G String")Johann Sebastian Bach, Takako Nishizaki, Capella Istropolitana, Oliver von Dohnanyi
Ii. Andante sostenutoWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Takako Nishizaki, Jenő Jandó
Vi. June: BarcarollePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Takako Nishizaki, Queensland Symphony Orchestra, Peter Breiner
No. 3, Minuetto (Arr. for Violin & Piano)Luigi Boccherini, Takako Nishizaki, Terence Dennis
III. Allegro assaiJohann Sebastian Bach, Takako Nishizaki, Capella Istropolitana, Oliver von Dohnanyi
Meditation (Arr. M.P. Marsick)Jules Massenet, Takako Nishizaki, Jenő Jandó
II. LargoAntonio Vivaldi, Takako Nishizaki, Stephen Gunzenhauser, Capella Istropolitana
II. Adagio molto espressivoLudwig van Beethoven, Takako Nishizaki, Jenő Jandó
Under the Silver MoonMingxin Du, Takako Nishizaki, Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Hoey Choo
II. Andantino cantabileWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Takako Nishizaki, Jenő Jandó
III. Allegro giocoso, ma non troppo vivaceJohannes Brahms, Takako Nishizaki, Slovenská filharmónia, Stephen Gunzenhauser
V. Gavotte I and II (Arr. For violin and piano)Johann Sebastian Bach, Takako Nishizaki, Terence Dennis
Meadowland (Polyushko, pole)Lev Knipper, Takako Nishizaki, Queensland Orchestra, Peter Breiner
Dance of the Blessed Spirits (Arr. F. Kreisler for Violin & Piano)Christoph Willibald Gluck, Wolf Harden, Takako Nishizaki
III. Finale. PrestoLudwig van Beethoven, Takako Nishizaki, Jenő Jandó
III. PrestoAntonio Vivaldi, Takako Nishizaki, Stephen Gunzenhauser, Capella Istropolitana
Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini: Variation 18 (Arr. F. Kreisler for violin and piano)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Jenő Jandó, Takako Nishizaki
8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187: No. 7, Poco lento e grazioso in G-Flat Major (Arr. For violin and piano)Antonín Dvořák, Takako Nishizaki, Terence Dennis
I. AllegroWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Takako Nishizaki, Capella Istropolitana, Stephen Gunzenhauser
Oriental Dance (Arr. For violin and piano)Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Wolf Harden, Takako Nishizaki
The Butterfly Lovers Violin ConcertoGang Chen, Zhanhao He, Takako Nishizaki, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra, James Judd
Takako Nishizaki is a renowned Japanese violinist, celebrated for her exquisite technique, refined taste, and sensitive musicianship. Born on April 14, 1944, in Nagoya, Japan, Nishizaki made history as the first student to complete the Suzuki Method course at the remarkable age of nine, earning her a teacher's diploma. Her prolific recording career has made her one of the most frequently recorded concert violinists of the digital era. Nishizaki's discography is vast and varied, featuring works by Mozart, Beethoven, and Vivaldi, among others, each album showcasing her deep musicality and emotive playing. Beyond her performing career, Nishizaki is also an esteemed educator, running her own violin studio in Hong Kong. Her personal life includes a marriage to Klaus Heymann, the owner of the Naxos label, further cementing her influence in the classical music world. Whether exploring familiar classics or lesser-known gems, a journey with Takako Nishizaki's music is always a captivating experience.
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Takako Nishizaki