Impromptu No. 1 in A-Flat Major, Op. 29
Impromptu No. 2 in F-Sharp Major, Op. 36
Impromptu No. 3 in G-Flat Major, Op. 51
Fantasy-Impromptu in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 66
Allegro de concert, Op. 46
Scherzo No. 1 in B Minor, Op. 20
Scherzo No. 2 in B-Flat Minor, Op. 31
Scherzo No. 3 in C-Sharp Minor, Op. 39
Scherzo No. 4 in E Major, Op. 54

There's a remarkable clarity and forward impulse to Mao Fujita's articulation and phrasing, combined with a finely-tuned sense of dynamic gradation which serves these works by Frederic Chopin very well. The Scherzos in particular which combine highly virtuoso passages with moments of extremely lyrical and beautiful melancholy so typical of Chopin, are performed with aplomb and deep expression by this young Japanese pianist. His emphasis of key notes along with a precise degree of accentuation, brings out the dramatic elements of the music as well as its rhythmic pulse. Born in 1998, he's already been awarded many prizes from a long list of piano competitions from around the globe. If you don't already have a comprehensive recording of these treasures of the keyboard, this Naxos recording will fill that gap very nicely. If you do, you should acquire this one as well to witness Mao Fujita's artistry and musicianship for yourself.