Masterpiece Performances: Introducing Japan’s World-Renowned Pianists and Their Iconic Performances

Chopin: Grande Valse Brillante, Op. 34 No. 1Nakamura Hiroko

Chopin 08 Hirosuko Nakamura - Grand Valse Brillante, Op. 34 No. 1

Born July 25, 1944; died July 26, 2016.

Graduated from Toho Gakuen Girls’ High School (Music Department) and the Juilliard School.

At the 7th International Chopin Competition, she became the first Japanese prizewinner and also received the Youngest Performer Award.

She was a leading Japanese pianist known for a powerful touch combined with a sweet, beautiful tone.

Chick Corea: SpainUehara Hiromi

Chick Corea & Hiromi Uehara – Spain

Born on March 26, 1979, and a graduate of Berklee College of Music.

With a stellar career that includes performing with Chick Corea at age 16, graduating at the top of the class from Berklee, and contributing to a Grammy-winning album, he is a leading figure among Japanese jazz pianists.

Frédéric Chopin: Ballade No. 3 in A-flat majorMatsushita Nao

Nanao Matsushita – Chopin: Ballade No. 3 in A-flat major

Born on February 8, 1985, she graduated from Tokyo College of Music with a major in piano.

Thanks to her beauty, she has recently been active as an actress as well, and beyond performing, she is involved in a wide range of activities, such as composing music for commercials and releasing numerous original tracks on CDs.

Frederic Chopin: Étude Op. 25 No. 6Ebi Akiko

(Ebi)Chopin Etude, Op. 25, No. 6

Born on July 7, 1953.

Graduated from Tokyo University of the Arts and the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris.

Based in Paris, they specialize in Romantic repertoire such as Chopin and Liszt, as well as French music including Ravel and Debussy.

They are sometimes referred to as an “authority on French music.”

Gershwin: Rhapsody in BlueOzone Makoto

Gershwin: Rhapsody in Blue – Makoto Ozone, NY Philharmonic

Born on March 25, 1961, he graduated at the top of the Jazz Composition and Arranging Department at Berklee College of Music.

He became the first Japanese artist to sign an exclusive recording contract with CBS in the U.S., made his worldwide debut with the album “OZONE,” and was nominated for a Grammy Award.

He is also known for his lively talk and serves as a radio host.

Maiden’s PrayerYamanaka Chihiro

Chihiro Yamanaka “Maiden’s Prayer” Music Video (short version)

She is a jazz pianist from Kiryu City, Gunma Prefecture.

After graduating at the top of her class from Berklee College of Music, she released the album “Living Without Friday” in 2001, which quickly became a top seller, making her a highly watched figure.

Her tour was also featured on the TV program “Jounetsu Tairiku.”

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Araki Jakkan

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Piano Concerto No. 5 in E-flat major, Op. 73Shimizu Kazune

From Beethoven’s Piano Concerto No. 5 “Emperor,” movement II into movement III (excerpt). A superb performance by Kazune Shimizu with concertmaster Maro and the Maro Orchestra, formed by concertmasters and principal players. Beethoven Piano Concerto No. 5.

In 1981, at the age of 20, he won the Long-Thibaud International Competition in the piano category and attracted worldwide attention.

He excels in works by composers from older generations, such as those of the Baroque and the national schools.

Incidentally, he once caused a stir by delivering sharp, cutting critiques of historical pianists on a radio program.

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Araki Jakkan

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