Yu Kurokawa & Wataru Hisasue - J. Brahms: 3 Sonatas for Violin and Piano (2023) [Official Digital Download 24/192]

This is a Debut Album from up-and-coming Japanese violinist Yu Kurokawa. He is a violinist who has won numerous awards, including the 1st prize at the Music Competition of Japan, the Idemitsu Music Award, and the Audience Award at the Sendai International Music Competition.

He will perform all three of Brahms' Violin Sonatas, which he says are ''my most sympathetic works,'' with pianist Wataru Hisasue, his long-time co-starring partner who is active worldwide.

"I have always had an inexpressible fondness for Brahms, and there is something special and awe-inspiring about his music. His music, with its longing beauty and sorrow that makes you feel like you can't step out of your comfort zone, is never confined to the world of fantasy, but is firmly rooted in the ground. It is truly an unexpected pleasure to be able to record all three of Brahms' violin sonatas, which are among the most fascinating of his works. I have already performed with the pianist Wataru Hisasue many times since we met on a scholarship from the same foundation, and it was an irreplaceable experience for me to work on these three special sonatas with his beautiful and lucid piano. When I am involved with Brahms' music, which can be likened to twilight or the autumn of life, I sometimes have a unique and elusive feeling of going back and forth between excitement and hesitation. I would be very happy if this album could help you to experience the world of Brahms, even if only a little."

"It is with great pleasure and honor that I am pleased to announce the release of the complete Brahms: Violin Sonatas with Yu Kurokawa on the Earl Anfini label. Each of Brahms' three violin sonatas has a completely different character, yet they share one rich scene. We hope that you will enjoy the passionate and gentle melodies of Brahms' masterpieces on this album with their realistic sounds. Although these are "violin sonatas," the piano part is of equal musical importance, which is one of the reasons why Brahms' music is so dense. In this album, we sought a piano sound that warmly envelops the mellow and rich melody played by Ms. Kurokawa's violin. In particular, the "Song of Rain," with its light and fleeting emotion, and the dramatic No. 3, with its effervescent passion, are highlights of the intense dialogue between the violin and the piano.I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Mr. Kurokawa who played every last note with a tone full of song, to the producers and tuners who worked on the recording with a strong commitment to sound, and to everyone who picked up a copy of this album." (Wataru Hisasue)

Tracklist:
01. Brahms: Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1 in G major, Op. 78: I. Vivace ma non troppo
02. Brahms: Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1 in G major, Op. 78: II. Adagio
03. Brahms: Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 1 in G major, Op. 78: III. Allegro molto moderato
04. Brahms: Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 2 in A major, Op. 100: I. Allegro amabile
05. Brahms: Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 2 in A major, Op. 100: II. Andante tranquillo - Vivace
06. Brahms: Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 2 in A major, Op. 100: III. Allegretto grazioso(quasi Andante)
07. Brahms: Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108: I. Allegro
08. Brahms: Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108: II. Adagio
09. Brahms: Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108: III. Un poco presto e con sentimento
10. Brahms: Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 3 in D minor, Op. 108: IV. Presto agitato


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