Takako Nishizaki's "Violin Fantasies," released in 2007, is a captivating journey through the world of classical music, showcasing the extraordinary talent of this renowned violinist. The album spans a diverse range of compositions, each meticulously arranged for violin and piano, highlighting Nishizaki's virtuosity and expressive depth.
From the enchanting melodies of Schubert's "Rosamunde" to the dramatic intensity of Handel's "Ombra mai fu," Nishizaki's interpretations are both technically impressive and emotionally resonant. The album also features beloved works such as Rimsky-Korsakov's "Scheherazade," Gluck's "Orfeo ed Euridice," and Dvořák's "Humoresques," each brought to life with Nishizaki's distinctive touch.
Collaborating with pianist Jenő Jandó, Nishizaki delivers a performance that is both intimate and powerful. The album's duration of just over an hour offers a rich tapestry of musical styles and periods, from the romantic elegance of Schubert to the lively rhythms of Brahms' Hungarian Dances. Nishizaki's ability to convey the essence of each piece, whether it's the meditative "Clair de Lune" or the spirited "Gypsy" Rondo, makes this album a standout in her discography.
"Violin Fantasies" is a testament to Takako Nishizaki's artistry, offering a collection of timeless classics that will delight both seasoned classical music enthusiasts and those new to the genre. The album's thoughtful curation and Nishizaki's masterful playing make it a must-listen for anyone seeking a profound and enjoyable musical experience.
(C) 2007 Naxos(P) 2007 Naxos
Tracks
Rosamunde, D. 797: Ballet No. 2 in G Major (Arr. F. Kreisler)Franz Schubert, Wolf Harden, Takako Nishizaki
Serse (Xerxes), HWV 40, Act I: Ombra mai fu, "Largo" [arr. For violin and piano]George Frideric Handel, Wolf Harden, Takako Nishizaki
Scheherazade, Op. 35 : Oriental Dance (Arr. For violin and piano)Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Wolf Harden, Takako Nishizaki
Orfeo ed Euridice: Dance of the Blessed Spirits (Arr. F. Kreisler for Violin & Piano)Christoph Willibald Gluck, Wolf Harden, Takako Nishizaki
Thaïs: Meditation (Arr. M.P. Marsick)Jules Massenet, Jenő Jandó, Takako Nishizaki
8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187, No. 7. Poco lento e grazioso in G-Flat Major: 8 Humoresques, Op. 101, B. 187: No. 7, Poco lento e grazioso in G-Flat Major (Arr. F. Kreisler)Antonín Dvořák, Jenő Jandó, Takako Nishizaki
12 Morceaux, Op. 40: No.2. Chanson triste (Arr. T. Nachez)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Jenő Jandó, Takako Nishizaki
21 Hungarian Dances, WoO 1, No. 17 in F-Sharp Minor: 21 Hungarian Dances, WoO1: Hungarian Dance No. 17 in F-Sharp Minor (Arr. F. Kreisler)Johannes Brahms, Jenő Jandó, Takako Nishizaki
Piano Trio in G Major, Op. 82 No. 2, Hob. XV:25 "Gypsy": Piano Trio No. 23 in G Major, Hob.XV:25: III. Finale. Presto (Rondo all'Ongarese)Joseph Haydn, Takako Nishizaki, Wolf Harden
3 Romanzen, Op. 94, No. 2. In A Major: Romance, Op. 94, No. 2 (Arr. F. Kreisler for violin and piano)Robert Schumann, Wolf Harden, Takako Nishizaki
L'arlesienne Suite No. 1: III. Adagietto (Arr. For violin and piano)Georges Bizet, Wolf Harden, Takako Nishizaki
Moods, Impressions and Reminiscences, Op. 41, Book 4: No. 14, Poem (Arr. for Violin & Piano)Zdeněk Fibich, Takako Nishizaki, Jenő Jandó
LiebesleidFritz Kreisler, Takako Nishizaki, Jenő Jandó
LiebesfreudFritz Kreisler, Jenő Jandó, Takako Nishizaki
Lyric Pieces, Book 3, Op. 43: No. 6, To Spring (Arr. For violin and piano)Edvard Grieg, Wolf Harden, Takako Nishizaki
Suite bergamasque: III. Clair de lune (Arr. A. Roelens)Claude Debussy, Jenő Jandó, Takako Nishizaki
Souvenir de Hapsal, Op. 2, No. 3. Chant sans paroles: Souvenir de Hapsal, Op. 2: No. 3, Chant sans paroles (Arr. T. Nachez)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Jenő Jandó, Takako Nishizaki
Slavonic Dance No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 46, No. 2, B. 170Antonín Dvořák, Jenő Jandó, Takako Nishizaki
The Londonderry Air (Arr. For violin and piano)Traditional, Wolf Harden, Takako Nishizaki