Various Composers - A Small Box of Melodies (Yoshika Masuda; Koki Kuroiwa)

Information

1. Johann Sebastian Bach - Keyboard Concerto in D Minor (after Alessandro Marcello), BWV 974: II. Adagio [arr. Yoshika Masuda]
2. Jean Sibelius - 4 Pieces, Op. 78: No. 2, Romance
3. Karl Davydov - 4 Pieces, Op. 20: No. 2, At the Fountain
4. Johannes Brahms - 4 Gesänge, Op. 70: No. 2, Lerchengesang
5. Erich Wolfgang Korngold - Much Ado About Nothing Suite, Op. 11: III. Marsch der Wache
6. Manuel Ponce - Estrellita (arr. Jascha Heifetz)
7. Camille Saint-Saëns - Samson et Dalila, Op. 47, R. 288, Act II: Mon coeur s'ouvre à ta voix
8. Gaspar Cassado - Requiebros
9. Eduard Bagdasaryan - Nocturne in A Major (arr. Yoshika Masuda)
10. Vaja Azarashvili - Nocturne
11. Felix Mendelssohn - Songs Without Words, Book V, Op. 62: No. 6 in A Major, MWV U 161 "Frühlingslied" (arr. Ferdinand David)
12. Kian Ravaei - Romance (after Layla and Majnun)
13. Alexander Glazunov - Chant du ménestrel, Op. 71
14. Frédéric Chopin - Nocturnes, Op. 9, B. 54: No. 2 in E-Flat Major. Andante (arr. David Popper)
15. Nikolai Kapustin - Nearly Waltz, Op. 98
16. Manuel de Falla - El amor brujo, Scene 2: X. Danza del fuego fatuo (arr. Gregor Piatigorsky)
17. Thomas Demenga - New York Honk

Yoshika Masuda, cello

Koki Kuroiwa, piano

Date: 2026

Label: ART INFINI

_____________________

In The Small Box of Melodies (2025), pianist Koki Kuroiwa and cellist Yoshika Masuda present an intimate recital program that evokes the atmosphere of a private salon. Centered on works for cello and piano, the album offers fresh interpretations of composers such as Brahms, Sibelius, Korngold, and Saint-Saëns, while also bringing lesser-known Romantic repertoire to light. United by a shared focus on lyrical expression, the duo delivers performances that are spontaneous, nuanced, and deeply personal, inviting listeners into a refined and emotionally engaging musical experience.

Yoshika Masuda is an internationally acclaimed Japanese cellist recognized for his intellectual depth and expressive artistry. Born in Kobe and raised in Australia, he trained at leading institutions including the Royal Northern College of Music and the USC Thornton School of Music. An award-winning performer, he has appeared worldwide as both a soloist and chamber musician, collaborating with distinguished artists and ensembles. Deeply committed to chamber music, he is involved in several ensembles and artistic initiatives. Masuda is also an advocate for contemporary music and community engagement, while maintaining an active teaching career as Assistant Professor of Cello at Chapman University.

Koki Kuroiwa is an accomplished Japanese pianist recognized for both his artistic excellence and academic achievements. A top graduate of Tokyo University of the Arts, he completed his master’s degree there before continuing his studies at the Liszt Academy of Music. He has received numerous prestigious awards, including top prizes at the Music Competition of Japan and the Tokyo Music Competition, and was a semifinalist at the International Tchaikovsky Competition. His recordings have earned critical acclaim, notably Pictures at an Exhibition and Brahms: Piano Works. In addition to his performing career, Kuroiwa is active as an educator, teaching at several institutions in Japan.