New Album Captures Brilliance of Japan’s Rising Piano Stars
PTNA Recordings’ latest release, commemorating the 48th Pitina Piano Competition Special Level 2024, is now available for streaming and download, offering a captivating glimpse into the future of classical music.
The All Japan Piano Instructors Association (Pitina) has released a new digital album showcasing the exceptional talent of young Japanese pianists. The album, officially launched on July 11, 2025, features performances from both the “special grade gala concert” and the “winners commemorative concert” following the 48th Pitina Piano Competition Special Grade Final held in August 2024.
The gala concert, described as a “one-night stand-alone” event, brought together four finalists six months after their initial performances. According to a company release, the concert aimed to “weave a story” through music, offering a deeply romantic and expressive experience centered around the works of Chopin and Schumann. The album captures the “maturity and freshness” of these leading young musicians, offering listeners a unique and intimate musical journey.
A Showcase of Chopin and Schumann
The album’s repertoire is heavily focused on the compositions of Frédéric Chopin and Robert Schumann, highlighting the technical prowess and artistic interpretation of the featured pianists. Grand Prix winner Minami Anka’s performance of Liszt’s “Dance of Death (Paraphrase from “Day of Wrath”)” is a particular standout, demonstrating a remarkable level of skill and emotional depth.
The tracklist includes:
- Chopin: Nocturne No. 13 in C minor Op. 48, No. 1 / Performed by Minami Anka
- Chopin: Collection of Etudes Op. 25 – No. 1 “Aeolian Harp” in A-flat major / Performed by Oyama Momodan
- Chopin: Scherzo No. 4 in E major, Op. 54 / Performed by Oyama Momodan
- Chopin: Piano Sonata No. 2 in B-flat minor “Funeral” Op. 35 – all four movements / Performed by Shiozaki Motoo
- Schumann: Children’s Scenes Op. 15 – all 13 songs / Performed by Yamamoto Yuryu
- Liszt: Butoh of Death S126/R457 – Paraphrases/Performance by “Day of Angry”: Minami Anka
Expanding Access to Classical Music
PTNA Recordings is committed to making these performances widely accessible. The album is available for purchase via download on platforms like iTunes and is also available on popular streaming services including Spotify, Apple Music, and LINE Music. Furthermore, the album is scheduled for release on the Naxos Music Library (NML), a specialized classical music streaming service. Pitina members also have access through the Piano Song Encyclopedia Plus, though smartphone access is restricted with this service.
Looking Ahead: The 49th Competition and Crowdfunding
The announcement of this album coincides with the opening of submissions for the 49th Pitina Piano Competition “Special” category. One analyst noted that the competition continues to be a vital platform for identifying and nurturing the next generation of piano virtuosos.
To further support these young artists, PTNA Recordings is launching a crowdfunding campaign. The initiative, which aims to expand the reach of the competition and its recordings, will culminate in a commemorative album of the 2025 “Special Grade” winners, slated for release around November 2025. The final of this year’s “Special Grade” is scheduled for August 22nd.
PTNA Recordings, founded in 2021, seeks to share the passion and artistry of these performances with a global audience, actively promoting both the musicians and the importance of piano education. The label’s mission is to ensure that these performances not only captivate listeners but also inspire future generations of musicians.
