Kaeko Mukoyama is a talented cellist. This is her first CD that fully consists of original compositions by modern Japanese composers (usually she plays classical Western music).
I love the way she plays. She is a real cello virtuoso. The music is deep and rich. Some tracks are so emotional that makes me cry.
There are two tracks that I would like to comment on in details. Track 4 - Requiem for Cellos. It is composed by Shigeaki Saegusa. This is a beautiful dramatic theme for a cello and orchestra. I know it requires special technique and skills, it is not an easy composition to play. Maybe that's why Requiem for Cellos is included in the examination programme of music schools in Japan.
Another remarkable track is No. 8 - Song for Poseidon. This theme is composed by Taro Iwashiro for a Japanese TV programme "Planet of Ocean". The music is powerful and remarkable, it will remain in your mind for a long time. Probably, it's because of cello, Koike Strings Orchestra and... soprano of Nobuko Takahashi! Yes, this theme features great voice of Nobuko Takahashi. Excellent!
I would like to warn you that tracks No. 12, 13 and 14 on the CD are horribly bad... I don't know why they were included together with other beautiful tracks. I just couldn't listen to them... I am sorry.