This is an engaging release full of evocative atmosphere which I have found hard to stop playing. Aoki’s finesse, lightness of touch and requisite sensitivity feels vital, illuminating the textures with outstanding results.
"Miki Aoki captured exactly the mood of this lovely music, making light of its rather formidable technical problems and conveying the air of Gallic virtuosity. ... the pianist demonstrated that, in addition to the delicacy shown earlier, she was capable of playing with great power and technical prowess of the highest order."
Artsmart, Durban 2016-04-06
....idiomatically pianistic and enjoyable in Aoki’s graceful,
expressive, and transparent performance.... The recording is....valuable as a sampling of the pianism of Miki Aoki, who gives every indication of being a very fine artist. "
Fanfare Magazine (USA) November/December 2013
"This recording contains several works for piano solo, in which Miki Aoki provides evidence that she mastered perfection in the distinct idiom of Russian piano works.”
Das Orchester Magazine, Friedemann Kluge, September 2013
....pianist Miki Aoki interprets magically...the album has a beautiful concept...."
Ensemble Magazine August/September 2013
".... this release proves a great success: enjoyable from start to finish."
MusicWeb International, August 2013
"...if you have an interest in getting to know the epic Rimsky-Korsakov trio, is not to be missed."
Expedition Audio July 2013
“Miki Aoki responds well to the music's virtuosic demands...but she is alive to the elusive subtleties of the simpler pieces...Particularly impressive is the way she 'gets inside' the Op. 3 Piano Pieces, revealing a remarkable expressive range in a genuinely memorable performance.”
BBC Music Magazine, March 2012
”Here, on her first CD for the label Profile Hännsler, Aoki proves that she is capable to explore the emotional depths of the works of the Hungarian Composer Zoltan Kodaly. … she convinces the listener with simplicity, combined with precision of dance rhythm, yet never static, and without any exaggeration. ….it is exciting that we have the chance to wait for this pianist to glow through performances of works by other composers, as the label plans for future recordings. "
Piano News Magazine, Jan/Feb 2012