Takashi Yamada - The Modern Étude (2024) Hi-Res

Pianist Takeshi Yamada's recording of etudes by Stravinsky, Szymanowski, and Rachmaninoff. Composers who lived around 1910 blossom in works that can be considered "sources" of new ways of expression that go beyond the framework of etudes.

A collection of masterpieces written in the early 20th century, with colors of sound woven by intellect and sensibility! The album begins with the Four Etudes, Op. 7, written in 1908 by the young Stravinsky, which conveys his passion and excitement. Then there are the Twelve Etudes, Op. 33, written by Szymanowski in 1916 as a showcase for his own musical idiom. Finally, the Pictorial Etudes, Op. 39, written in 1916-17, make full use of Rachmaninoff's refined pianism. Yamada Takeshi sees each collection of pieces not as a "practice" for the performer's fingers or technique, but as a "source" for the composer to create new sounds, writing styles, and ideas. His performances are sincere, weaving together sounds purely while highlighting the characteristics of each collection of pieces. Yamada carefully interprets the technically complex scores that contain the thoughts of each composer, and refines them into fulfilling music. Yamada's unique and imaginative expression captivates the ears of the listener.