Tchaikovsky: The Seasons, Op. 37b, etc.

“If they are to be transcribed for violin and orchestra, Takako Nishizaki is surely their ideal exponent, for she plays with delicacy yet fully displays the nostalgic charm of 'January' (subtitled 'By the Fireside'), and the springlike freshness of 'March' ('Song of the Lark'). The fanciful miniaturism of the 'April' portrait of a 'Snowdrop' is delightful, too, and she is in her element in the favourite [sic] number, the gentle romantic 'Barcarolle' which Tchaikovsky chose for 'June'. All these pieces are afforded discreetly scored accompaniments and the scherzo for 'August', depicting 'The Harvest', is also felicitous...The piano pieces from Op. 40...come off very pleasingly in their new livery, while the closing Reverie has a proper salon daintiness. Takako Nishizaki is a stylish and sweet-timbred exponent. Enjoyable performances.”