Credits:

Tsubaki Trio

Description:

This is the debut disc of the Tsubaki Trio. While each of the three performers, Takako Takahashi (piano), Eriko Iso (violin), and Hitomi Niikura (cello), has been active as a soloist, they have been performing together for more than 10 years before forming this trio. Iso and Takahashi, in particular, have been performing together as a duo since around 2004. Niikura and Takahashi also recorded Chopin's cello sonata together, and the three of them have performed together many times. The formation of this trio was not an overnight process, but rather the result of a thorough acquaintance with each other's musicality and a conviction that the ensemble is in tune with each other. The name "Tsubaki Trio" comes from the Tsubaki Hall in Koda Town, Aichi Prefecture. The trio was formed after a concert at the hall, where the three musicians agreed that they would continue to perform together. The camellia is a flower native to Japan, and the white camellia in particular has the meaning of "perfect beauty. The decision to form a trio rather than a trio is also an expression of their desire to make a serious effort in the field of chamber music, which is known to be austere. I feel that over the past seven years or so, I have come to understand a little more about playing the violin and how to put sound on it.Compared to the past, making sounds has become easier in a good way," says Iso. Takahashi, on the other hand, says, "Something is different from when I was younger. I think I have a good sense of balance and am the most skillful now. I feel that getting older is also good. From the point of view of the two musicians, who have been pursuing increasingly fulfilling activities in recent years, Niikura's performances in the younger generation were a constant source of inspiration and stimulation. This is something that comes to mind and makes sense to the author: when she played "osm," a piece by Fujikura Dai at Hakuju Hall's 15th anniversary concert in October 2018, the uncanny musicality of her performance overwhelmed me, as if she had become such an amazing performer. Niikura's potential to take on new challenges as she goes along has a great impact on those around her. I had the opportunity to observe the recording session, and I was impressed by the way all three musicians relaxed and focused on the music. In the future, they would like to expand their repertoire to include more and more old and modern masterpieces of authentic piano trio music so that they can enjoy the fun of the ensemble in live performances.The girls, who say they want to play until they are 90 if they are well, will take the time to bring their genuine chamber music not only to Tokyo but also to every corner of the country. Commentary: Naoki Hayashida (2/2) Naxos Japan