Reviews

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Fukasawa anchored the proceedings with a powerful and convincing performance.(Rachmaninoff Piano Concerto No. 3) 

-Washington Post

Masterful Recital of Czech Sonata: Rarely Performed Piece Resonates. (Janacek Sonata) was played with a subtle expressiveness and a depth of feeling that were characteristic of Fukasawa's playing. ...even more impressive than her power at climactic moments was the subtlety with which she used the pedals in quieter passages.

-Washington Post

The Jalina Trio’s robust opening movement signals a view of the Mendelssohn First Piano Trio that is full of passion and youthful vigour. The keyboard’s role is little less demanding than that of the composer’s two virtuosic piano concertos, and without ever gratuitously commanding our attention pianist Natsuki Fukasawa gives a superb account, nimbly weaving a gorgeous web of sound around the string players.

-The Strad 

Her trilling was crystalline, simply the most scintillating aspect of her consistently clean articulation.

-Indianapolis Star 

...she displayed a fine ear for color and line. Fukasawa also commanded complex texture and harmonies, invariably finding a convincing focus.

-Pittsburgh Post-Gazette 

Pairing these trios on a single disc (Mendelssohn Piano Trio No.1 and Brahms Piano Trio in B Major) is not unprecedented, though it is uncommon – a famous recording with Heifetz, Rubinstein, Piatigorsky (in the Mendelssohn) and Feuermann (in the Brahms) is still available. But more frequently, and logically, one finds the two Mendelssohn trios in tandem, and one of Brahms’s other trios as discmate to the B-Major….I have so many recordings of these works in my collection that I’ve honestly lost track. So, it is understandable that I should have received this recent release with not a little feeling of ennui. Was I ever caught off guard. What a cruel trick Fate has played me that I, of legendary verbosity, should be at a loss for words to describe the alluring beauty of these performances. Never-I mean never-have I heard either of these works played with such expressive nuance and exquisite, heartfelt sensitivity. These performances speak to me of a rapture regularly sought but rarely achieved. When I am moved to weep with joy, I know I am hearing what music can and should be. This is a chamber music disc nonpareil, one that deserves to be in everyone’s collection, and will surely be on my next Want List.

-Fanfare 

Fukasawa’s playing (of Liszt Totentanz) was like a rocket trip to the outer limits of piano possibilities. Fukasawa, though a diminutive person, dominated this work with the strength of a Gargantuan. Her technical prowess was spectacular...

-San Diego Jewish Press Heritage 

Overwhelming ...It was a magnificent evening with a program that even veteran musicians would have had difficulties living up to their high standard...Natsuki is one of the best pianists I have heard on this piano...

-Amts Avisen Randers, Denmark 

The piano playing was unusually fine, almost sparkling in its brilliance. In Beethoven’s slow movement, the pianissimi were bordering on the limits of audibility, whereby the intensity was all the greater as a result.

-Viborg Folkblad, Denmark 

Her virtuoso skills became quite evident... her skills always served a musical purpose to bring a musical score to life in a vital and compelling manner... her extraordinarily beautiful cantabile...was a knockout. She took us over the top in the final pages of this mighty work...

-Monterey Peninsula Reviews