Tomoki Sakata - ILLUSIONS (2026) [Official Digital Download 24/192]

Tomoki Sakata is a talented pianist who has attracted worldwide attention since winning the first prize at the Franz Liszt International Piano Competition in 2016, and has captivated audiences with his overwhelming technique and rich expressiveness. This second album, to be released in 2020, contains eight pieces selected by Mr. Sakata based on the concept of "projecting to the listener an 'Illusion' of various compositions, including symphonies, concertos, songs, and operas. Sakata is interested in not only piano works but also orchestral works, songs, and operas. The recording of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 5 "Waltz" (world premiere recording) and No. 6 "Pathetique" (world premiere recording), both arranged by Feinberg, are extremely difficult pieces that could be described as theoretical. The performance of these pieces, which embody the phrase "10 fingers x 1 piano," will fascinate you not only with Sakata's technique, but also with his rich musicality. And then there is Liszt, a work that is synonymous with Sakata. The performance of Rigoletto Paraphrase and Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 is a masterpiece, sung freely but intelligently constructed.