Label news: DG signs Nobu
NewsThe phenomenal blind pianist Nobuyuki Tsujii has considned his recording career to the yellow label.
Nobu, now 35, reached the semi-finals of the International Chopin Piano Competition in 2005 and won the Van Cliburn four years later.
He has tremendous stage presence. Whether that transfers to record remains to be heard.
DG has also signed the LA-based Indonesian composer, pianist and producer Eunike Tanzil. The label says: Eunike is a leading social media creative, known in particular for her “Hum me a Melody” series. She uses her online presence to bring orchestral music to a wider audience and to provide inspiration for other creators.
Nobuyuki Tsujii “signing to Deutsche Grammophon” was BIG news in Japan. (I am not Japanese — I follow his news from California.) Thanks for mentioning it on your esteemed blog.
Nobu has an existing extensive discography. With this recording contract, some of Tsujii’s albums previously recorded under his Japan label ( Avex Classics International) will be re-released **WORLDWIDE** by DG, while Avex CDs will continue to be distributed in Japan.
As a long time supporter of Nobu, I always thought it a great shame that his many excellent recordings, especially those recorded at Berlin’s Teldex Studio, were available only from Japan. Some U.S. radio stations and at least one U.K. radio station (RTÉ Ireland) have been playing tracks from his 2009 Cliburn Competition recordings, seemingly unaware of Nobu’s other recordings.
Tsujii’s DG debut album, slated to be released in early 2025, is said to include Beethoven’s “Hammerklavier”.
DG will also stream concert videos featuring Tsujii, including a BACH-CHOPIN-RACHMANINOV recital recorded in Suntory Hall this past February — to be streamed on their Stage+ on 18 May.
Congratulations and best wishes to Nobu!
Fantastic news !
D.G. Also plans to reissue his existing discography recorded by former label in Japan .
He is such a unique talent .
I hope he will tour the USA especially the West Coast. We would love to hear him live.
He did 2 summers ago. I heard him play Rach 2 at the Hollywood Bowl. A great evening!
Nobuyuki Tsujii is scheduled to hold a recital at Carnegie Hall on March 21 2025, and then perform Rach 3 in Seattle on April 3, 5 & 6. There may be other U.S. stops. Stay tuned!