Etsuko Hirose - Fantasies (2006) [SACD]
![Etsuko Hirose - Fantasies (2006) [SACD]](https://www.dibpic.com/uploads/posts/2026-07/1784357072_front2.jpg)
BAND/ARTIST: Etsuko Hirose
- Title: Fantasies
- Year Of Release: 2006
- Label: Denon / Columbia [COGQ-10]
- Genre: Classical
- Quality: DSD64 image (*.iso) 2.0 > 1-bit/2.8224 MHz
- Total Time: 01:18:28
- Total Size: 2,1 GB (+3%rec.)
- WebSite: Album Preview
This is the first Romantic-era program by Etsuko Hirose, who has showcased her overwhelming technique and overflowing musicality in two transcription (arrangement) albums, "Chaconne" and "La Valse." She firmly grasps these major works, weaving phrases with passionate, deep breaths and an ever-changing palette; the richness of her music captivates the listener. This is a pianist and album that all piano lovers should definitely listen to.
An Album Imprinted with Etsuko Hirose's Rich "Fantasy" — Nobuyuki Matsuoka
Etsuko Hirose has already made a vivid impression on music fans through her transcription works included in two albums, "Chaconne" and "La Valse." What is impressive is that, in addition to her outstanding technique, she possesses an expressive power that is enough to convince listeners that her interpretations have a different kind of brilliance than the original pieces. In this latest album, "Fantasy," Hirose has gathered pieces that include the word "fantasy," and it is characterized by the exquisite balance between her inherent rich lyricism and sharp expressiveness. In particular, her brilliant pianism, which makes difficult passages in Liszt seem difficult, and the expansive and moist poetic sentiment in Schumann are major highlights. When I interviewed Hirose, she expressed her love for Rachmaninoff's music, saying, "When you read the score, there are all sorts of instructions written in it, such as staccato, tenuto, and accents. The more you read, the more you naturally understand how to play it, and it's so much fun to unravel his unique phrasing." Given this, it's particularly noteworthy that her performance of Rachmaninoff's early works, which are rarely performed, simultaneously conveys a fresh sound and the composer's characteristic, powerful surge.
I also remember Hirose saying, "For example, I like Schnabel and Horszowski; their playing is very refined, not based on superficial tricks, but rather seems to be played simply and calmly, yet with warmth. It's not something you can imitate; it's something you can only achieve by sincerely engaging with the music." Listening to this "Fantasy," I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels she is steadily walking the path of a true pianist. (From the liner notes)
Tracks:
01. Mozart: Fantasie in D minor, K.397 (385g) (5:59)
Schumann: Fantasie in C major, Op.17
02. I. Durchaus fantastisch und leidenschaftlich vorzutragen (13:43)
03. II. Massig. Durchaus energisch (8:47)
04. III. Langsam getragen. Durchweg leise zu halten (10:42)
Rachmaninov: Morceaux de fantaisie, Op.3
05. No.1: Elegie (5:09)
06. No.2: Prelude (4:55)
07. No.3: Melodie (3:56)
08. No.4: Polichinelle (4:02)
09. No.5: Serenade (rev.) (3:22)
10. Liszt: Apres une lecture du Dante, Fantasia quasi Sonata (17:52)
Personnel:
Etsuko Hirose - piano
Recorded at Kasakakeno Bunka Hall, Gunma, Japan on January 10-12, 2006.
![Etsuko Hirose - Fantasies (2006) [SACD]](https://www.dibpic.com/uploads/posts/2026-07/1784357072_back2.jpg)
An Album Imprinted with Etsuko Hirose's Rich "Fantasy" — Nobuyuki Matsuoka
Etsuko Hirose has already made a vivid impression on music fans through her transcription works included in two albums, "Chaconne" and "La Valse." What is impressive is that, in addition to her outstanding technique, she possesses an expressive power that is enough to convince listeners that her interpretations have a different kind of brilliance than the original pieces. In this latest album, "Fantasy," Hirose has gathered pieces that include the word "fantasy," and it is characterized by the exquisite balance between her inherent rich lyricism and sharp expressiveness. In particular, her brilliant pianism, which makes difficult passages in Liszt seem difficult, and the expansive and moist poetic sentiment in Schumann are major highlights. When I interviewed Hirose, she expressed her love for Rachmaninoff's music, saying, "When you read the score, there are all sorts of instructions written in it, such as staccato, tenuto, and accents. The more you read, the more you naturally understand how to play it, and it's so much fun to unravel his unique phrasing." Given this, it's particularly noteworthy that her performance of Rachmaninoff's early works, which are rarely performed, simultaneously conveys a fresh sound and the composer's characteristic, powerful surge.
I also remember Hirose saying, "For example, I like Schnabel and Horszowski; their playing is very refined, not based on superficial tricks, but rather seems to be played simply and calmly, yet with warmth. It's not something you can imitate; it's something you can only achieve by sincerely engaging with the music." Listening to this "Fantasy," I'm sure I'm not the only one who feels she is steadily walking the path of a true pianist. (From the liner notes)
Tracks:
01. Mozart: Fantasie in D minor, K.397 (385g) (5:59)
Schumann: Fantasie in C major, Op.17
02. I. Durchaus fantastisch und leidenschaftlich vorzutragen (13:43)
03. II. Massig. Durchaus energisch (8:47)
04. III. Langsam getragen. Durchweg leise zu halten (10:42)
Rachmaninov: Morceaux de fantaisie, Op.3
05. No.1: Elegie (5:09)
06. No.2: Prelude (4:55)
07. No.3: Melodie (3:56)
08. No.4: Polichinelle (4:02)
09. No.5: Serenade (rev.) (3:22)
10. Liszt: Apres une lecture du Dante, Fantasia quasi Sonata (17:52)
Personnel:
Etsuko Hirose - piano
Recorded at Kasakakeno Bunka Hall, Gunma, Japan on January 10-12, 2006.
As a ISRA.CLOUD's PREMIUM member you will have the following benefits:
- Unlimited high speed downloads
- Download directly without waiting time
- Unlimited parallel downloads
- Support for download accelerators
- No advertising
- Resume broken downloads