Masanobu Nisigaki, a virtuoso guitarist and luthier, presents a captivating solo guitar album that reimagines two classical masterpieces. Released on December 5, 2014, under the label LPC Japan, "Schubert: Arpeggione Sonata - Paganini: Grand Sonata" showcases Nisigaki's exceptional skill in arranging and performing these iconic works for solo guitar.
The album features Schubert's Arpeggione Sonata in A minor, originally composed for the arpeggione, a now-rare bowed string instrument. Nisigaki's meticulous arrangement brings new life to this timeless piece, with each movement—Allegro Moderato, Adagio, and Allegretto—revealing the depth and nuance of Schubert's composition. The second half of the album is dedicated to Paganini's Grand Sonata in A major, another monumental work that Nisigaki has skillfully adapted for solo guitar. The three movements, Allegro Risoluto, Romanze Amorosamente, and Andantino Variato Scherzando, demonstrate Nisigaki's technical prowess and artistic sensitivity.
With a total duration of 45 minutes, this album is a testament to Nisigaki's dual expertise as both a performer and a recording engineer. His innovative arrangements and impeccable playing offer a fresh perspective on these classical pieces, making it a compelling listen for both classical music enthusiasts and guitar aficionados. Nisigaki's background, including his studies under Henri Dorigny at the Conservatoire national de Nice and his performances across Europe and Japan, adds a rich context to this remarkable solo guitar album.