Kotaro Fukuma was the first Japanese player to win both the First Prize and the Chopin Prize at the Cleveland International Piano Competition. That was back in 2003, when he was 20. Here, after some wonderfully imaginative albums, he turns to Beethoven piano sonatas and reveals himself to be a player of maturity, with a fine technique and a lovely sense of fantasy. And this trio shows him in a very impressive light. From “Tempest”, via Op. 78 to the final sonata, Op. 111, he rides the storms and stresses of the journey with masterly skill. Exclusive to Apple Music, this version also features three bonus tracks that maintain the dazzling display of artistry.