Jun-ichi Ito - The Chopin Zyklus, Vol. 1: Maestoso (2026) [Hi-Res]

Tracklist

01. Ballade No. 3 in A-Flat Major, Op. 47, B. 136
02. Mazurkas, Op. 67: No. 2 in G Minor. Cantabile, B. 167
03. Mazurkas, Op. 68: No. 4 in F Minor. Andantino, B. 168
04. Waltzes, Op. 70: No. 2 in F Minor. Tempo giusto, B. 138
05. Waltz in E-Flat Major, B. 133
06. Barcarolle in F-Sharp Major, Op. 60, B. 158
07. Nocturnes, Op. 62, B. 161: No. 1 in B Major. Andante
08. Nocturnes, Op. 62, B. 161: No. 2 in E Major. Lento
09. Nocturne in C Minor, B. 108
10. Impromptu No. 3 in G-Flat Major, Op. 51, B. 149
11. Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58, B. 155: I. Allegro maestoso
12. Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58, B. 155: II. Scherzo. Molto vivace
13. Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58, B. 155: III. Largo
14. Piano Sonata No. 3 in B Minor, Op. 58, B. 155: IV. Finale. Presto ma non tanto

This is Volume 1 of The Chopin Cycle, a long-term project spanning approximately eight years to record the complete solo piano works of Chopin, presented by pianist Junichi Ito—a prize-winner at numerous international competitions, including first place at the Japan Chopin Piano Competition and recipient of the Japan Chopin Association Award.
Ito honed his craft in France for nearly eight years at institutions such as the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique in Paris and Lyon, as well as the École Normale de Musique. He has earned high acclaim for his deeply moving musicality—rooted in the authentic European tradition—and his orthodox technique, which eschews mere gimmickry.
Key characteristics of Ito’s playing include a singing style where melodies breathe as naturally as the human voice, rich and profound harmonies spun from a diverse palette of tonal colors, and a delicate sonic presence that quietly reaches the listener's innermost heart. The ideal of playing as if singing—fundamental to the art of Chopin—resonates deeply with Ito’s own artistic philosophy. (Distributor Information)