Dive into the world of contemporary classical piano with Nikolai Kapustin's captivating album, "ピアノ・ソナタ 第 10番、6つの小品、他." Released in 2018, this album is a testament to Kapustin's virtuosity and his unique blend of classical and jazz influences. Spanning a total of 20 tracks and just over an hour, this collection showcases Kapustin's mastery of the piano through a diverse range of compositions.
The album opens with "ピアノのための6つの小品, 作品 133," a suite of six short pieces that demonstrate Kapustin's ability to convey a wealth of emotion and complexity in concise, bite-sized compositions. Each movement offers a distinct mood and technical challenge, from the lively "Allegro moderato" to the introspective "Larghetto."
Kapustin's sonatas are also prominently featured, with the "ピアノソナタ 第 1番. 作品 39 ソナタ・ファンタジー" and "ピアノソナタ 第 10番, 作品 81" showcasing his prowess in the traditional sonata form. These works are characterized by their intricate structures, virtuosic passages, and rich harmonic language.
The album also includes unique pieces such as "Wandering for piano, 作品 153" and "スウィート・イン・オールド・スタイル(古い様式による組曲), 作品 28," which pay homage to historical keyboard styles while infusing them with Kapustin's signature modern sensibilities. The suite "スウィート・イン・オールド・スタイル" is particularly noteworthy for its exploration of Baroque dance forms, reimagined through a contemporary lens.
Throughout the album, Kapustin's playing is marked by its precision, clarity, and expressive depth. Whether tackling the rapid-fire arpeggios of "短いけれど超絶技巧の練習曲 作品 149" or the lyrical melodies of "ピアノソナタ 第 1番. 作品 39 ソナタ・ファンタジー," Kapustin's performances are always engaging and technically impressive.
This album is a fantastic introduction to Nikolai Kapustin's piano works, offering a comprehensive overview of his style and compositional approach. Whether you're a fan of classical piano, jazz, or contemporary music, there's something in this collection to captivate and inspire you.