The Japanese pianist Fumiko Shiraga has made a specialty in recent years of performing famous concertos with a small group of instrumentalists. She calls this project “concertos in disguise.” “It was common in the 19th century to present concert performances of large-scale works in a scaled-down version;” she explains.

“There were many fewer orchestras then on the musical scene than there are today; and so one had recourse to the musicians that were available and adapted the music according to the instrumentarium.” Beyond such practical considerations; these arrangements can be appreciated on a purely artistic level. To Fumiko Shiraga’s mind; small formations offer many advantages.

“When one plays with an orchestra; the result depends in large part on the conductor; on his or her ideas and ability to enter into the world of the soloist. With a small ensemble it is quite different – one is flexible; reactive. One reaches the limits of fortissimo much more quickly; and thus the piano has much wider expressive possibilities; particularly in the intimist register.”

For her first recording for Claves; she has chosen Felix Mendelssohn’s concertos Opus 25 and Opus 40; arranged by Cord Garben for piano and string quintet. Plus: six Romances without Words delicately arranged for piano; violin; and cello. Chamber music on symphonic or soloist notes – a rediscovery!