Search - Kaori Muraji :: Estella: Kaori Muraji Self Best

Captures the development of a remarkable artist through her

William N. Gross | Berkeley, CA USA | 02/05/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Contents-I had a hard time finding them in English:

1. Caprice Op.1-24 (Paganini / Arr. S. Fukuda) ...4:30

2. Feuilles d'autoumne Op. 41-3 (N. Coste) ...3:15

3. Caprice Op. 20-7 (L. Legnani) ...1:29

4. Monsier's Almaine (D. Batchelar) ...3:18

5. Greensleeves (Trad. / Arr: F. Cutting) ...3:10

6. Adagio ~Sonata Op. 1-15 (G. F. Handel /Arr: S. Fukuda) ...2:34

7. Sonata K.1 / L.366 (D. Scarlatti / Arr: L. Brouwer) ...3:08

8. En Los Trigales (J. Rodrigo) ...3:53

9. Invocacion y danza (J. Rodrigo) ...7:58

10. Fandango ~Trez piezas espanolas (J. Rodrigo) ...3:54

11. Un Sueno in la Floresta (A Barrios) ...7:04

12. El Colobri (J. S. Sagreras) ...1:09

13. Cavatina (S. Meyers / Arr: J. Williams) ...4:09

14. My Favorite Things (R. Rodgers /Arr:B. Stark - H. Sato) ...3:16

15. Sunburst (A. York) ...3:38





First off, please forgive any errors here, since this CD is an import and the text that is included in the booklet is predominantly in Japanese. La Estella is a compilation of selections from 10 years worth of recordings by Kaori Muraji, the very talented guitarist from Japan. The earliest recordings are from 1993 when she was 15, which is remarkable considering the level of expertise displayed. Included from this early period are "Caprice" by Paganini, which is bold and colorful and "Feuilles d'autoumne." All throughout the CD, the onus falls on her expressive ability, since at this point her technique, enviable by almost any standard, is still developing. Muraji's mastery of pacing is evident even on the earliest tracks. She didn't get her recording contract at such a young age by being a novelty. She's got the goods. Among the highlights of the album are the 3 Rodrigo interpretations, especially "Invocation y Danza," a powerful rendition done for the composer's centennial celebration. Also a standout is "My Favorite Things." Kaori Muraji has a gift for interpreting popular music that escapes many classically trained musicians and she polishes up this old standard to a brilliant shine.

In the span covered by this CD, Muraji plays arrangements from her early instructor, Shinichi Fukuda, and also work done after her studies in Paris several years later. I had previously bought the 2005 release, "Transformations" which I have also reviewed. There's an emotional component to her playing that defies description, and I was curious to hear more. I chose this CD because of the title, "Self Best." But as is evidenced in her current recordings, Kaori Muraji has already surpassed all she had accomplished before. Nevertheless, to listen to her as she reaches out for the perfection she will attain is both inspiring and thrilling.

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