Experience the enchanting artistry of Takako Nishizaki with "The Essential Takako Nishizaki," a captivating collection of classical masterpieces set for release on May 26, 2025, under the Naxos Special Projects label. This two-hour and twenty-five-minute journey through the world of classical music features Nishizaki's exquisite performances, showcasing her technical prowess and deep musicality.
The album spans a wide range of compositions, from the romantic elegance of Elgar's "Salut d'amour" and Tchaikovsky's "None but the Lonely Heart" to the virtuosic brilliance of Beethoven's Violin Sonata in D Major and Vivaldi's "The Four Seasons." Nishizaki's interpretations bring a fresh perspective to these timeless pieces, making them accessible and enjoyable for both classical aficionados and newcomers alike.
Highlights include the soothing "Meditation" from Thaïs, the lively "Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini" by Rachmaninoff, and the evocative "Dance of the Blessed Spirits" from Orpheus. The album also features lesser-known gems such as "Under the Silver Moon" and "Meadowland (Polyushko, pole)," demonstrating Nishizaki's versatility and ability to breathe new life into a variety of musical styles.
Takako Nishizaki, a renowned violinist known for her expressive playing and technical finesse, delivers a performance that is both technically impressive and deeply moving. Her ability to convey the essence of each composition makes this album a standout in her discography.
"The Essential Takako Nishizaki" is a testament to the enduring power of classical music, offering a rich and rewarding listening experience that will captivate and inspire. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a casual listener, this album is sure to become a cherished addition to your music 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