Various Composers - The Sound of Maestros (Yayoi Toda; Midori Nohara)

Information

1. Fritz Kreisler - Recitative and Scherzo-Caprice Op. 6: I. Recitativo
2. Fritz Kreisler - Recitative and Scherzo-Caprice Op. 6: II. Scherzo - Caprice
3. Maurice Ravel - Tzigane (version for violin and piano)
4. Karol Szymanowski - Nocturne and Tarantella Op. 28: I. Nocturne
5. Karol Szymanowski - Nocturne and Tarantella Op. 28: II. Tarantella
6. Niccolò Paganini - Introduction and Variations on Nel cor più non mi sento from Paisiello's La molinara, Op. 38, MS 44
7. Pablo de Sarasate - Carmen Fantasy, Op. 25 (after G. Bizet) (arr. E. Zimbalist)
8. Eugène Ysaÿe - 2 Mazurkas, Op. 10: No. 1 in G Major, "Dans le lointain"
9. Eugène Ysaÿe - 2 Mazurkas, Op. 10: No. 2 in A Minor
10. Jules Massenet - Thaïs, Act II: Méditation
11. Pablo de Sarasate - Zigeunerweisen Op. 20
12. Max Reger - Prelude: Andante con moto (Preludes and Fugues Op. 117, No. 6, in D Minor)

Yayoi Toda, violin

Midori Nohara, piano

Date: 2026

Label: MClassics

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This distinguished album showcases nine exceptional violins, including historic masterpieces by Antonio Stradivari, Giuseppe Guarneri, and Andrea Amati, crafted 300–400 years ago, alongside a modern instrument. The recording highlights the unique tonal character and rich resonance of violins spanning different eras. Its repertoire features celebrated works by renowned violin virtuoso-composers such as Pablo de Sarasate and Fritz Kreisler. Performances by Yayoi Toda, winner of the Queen Elisabeth Competition, and Midori Nohara, winner of the Marguerite Long–Thibaud Competition, bring remarkable artistry, energy, and elegance to this outstanding musical collection.

Yayoi Toda is one of Japan’s foremost violinists, internationally recognized since winning the Queen Elisabeth International Music Competition in 1993. A violin prodigy who began studying at age four, she graduated top of her class from Toho Gakuen College and furthered her studies in Amsterdam under distinguished teachers. Toda has performed with leading orchestras and renowned musicians across Europe, Asia, and North America, earning acclaim for her passionate artistry. Her achievements include the Idemitsu Music Award, the Young Concert Artists International Audition prize, and appearances at major venues such as Carnegie Hall and the Concertgebouw. An accomplished recording artist, she performs on a 1728 Guarneri “del Gesù” violin.

Midori Nohara is a distinguished Japanese pianist whose career has been marked by exceptional achievements in international competition and performance. After graduating at the top of her class from Tokyo University of the Arts and continuing her studies in Paris, she won major prizes including First Prize at the Long-Thibaud International Competition, Second Prize at the Budapest Liszt Competition, and awards at the Busoni International Piano Competition. She has appeared as a soloist with leading orchestras in Japan and Europe under renowned conductors such as Seiji Ozawa, Lorin Maazel, and Michel Plasson. Equally acclaimed as a recitalist and chamber musician, Nohara is particularly celebrated for her interpretations of French repertoire, including the complete piano works of Maurice Ravel, and has released several highly regarded recordings.