On Jan 9 2026 Nobuyuki Tsujii released his new album RACHMANINOFF · TCHAIKOVSKY with Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Domingo Hindoyan.
This album is Nobuyuki Tsujii second album collaborate with DG. This set of pieces seems to be a tribute to the Russian style of thought, In this album, he brings one of the most difficult piano concerto Rachmaninoff piano concerto No.3, and some very classic Rachmaninoff’s lyric songs Vocalise, Op. 34 No. 14, and Lilacs, Op. 21 No. 5. Also, he brings Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite. This album does not take simple, technical show as the core but shows as the core but shows an introspective and restrained romantic interpretation through the fine control of structure, tones and emotional hierarchy. The cooperation with Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra is also relatively steady and supportive, it’s providing a balanced orchestral framework.
In Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto, Tsujii’s understanding of the overall structure of the work is particularly clear. He emphasized the coherence between the motivation of theme. Even in high density harmony groups and complex textures, the vocal hierarchy is still clear. It is fully demonstrated that his excellent technique. He emphasizes the motivate connections between themes and shapes with clear direction. The handling of rhythmic flexibility forms a subtle dialogue relationship with the orchestra. It did not disrupt the overall feeling. In some long dense harmonic passages you can feel the long textures. This album also includes several of Rachmaninoff most beloved lyric pieces such as Rachmaninoff’s vocalise op34 no 14 and Liacs op21 no5. In these works, he demonstrates the tone sensitivity and phrase shaping. Especially, his performance of Vocalise, the beautiful long melodic line, and very strict contrapuntal texture.It also reflects Tsuji’ pursuit of high music tonal. The counterpoint is fully warm color.
Then, the piano adaptation of Tchaikovsky’s works in the album is also interested. He exploited the performance potential of piano itself, imitate the orchestral effect. These seven suites are different characters. It exploiting the instrument’s capacity for color and articulation to represent these different characters. Some lyrical passages are shaped with elegance and restraint. This approach lends the music an intimate. He emphasizes contrast and expressive character. This balance between drama and elegance is consistently maintained. Dance movement are fully character, it gives the music more expressive space. This balance is consistently maintained to the end.
It’s so breathtaking for his lyrical tone, expressive depth, and remarkable technical control in this album. The balance between dance and lyrics consistently throughout the album. Tsujii when he was 18 years old, won the first prize at the van Cliburn competition, I’m very admire Tsujii’s persistence in music. Even he couldn’t see the the beauty of world, he can through his music express the feeling to audience. He became a distinctive figure in today’ s classic music in the world. This album is very worth for every piano lovers to hear. I think one of captivated points for me is Tsujii’s lyrical tone, remarkable technique control and expressive.
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