Five stars for Kazushi Ono’s Scriabin

Kazushi Ono's recent recording of Scriabin's Second Symphony with Brussels Philharmonic has won excellent reviews.

De Staandard gives the release a maximum five stars and writes: 'Ono conducts with the precision of a true craftsman, driving the orchestra until Scriabin's music surges forward on its own momentum. Themes are given room to unfold, while a wide dynamic range heightens the contrast to full effect. Scriabin may not have been a national favourite before, but this collection just might change that.'

Allmusic gives the release 4.5 stars and writes: 'Music director Kazushi Ono has his Brussels group finely tuned, and the orchestra responds deftly to his baton. The group is in fine form and well-balanced throughout, with clear melodic lines given proper weight and strong support underneath.'

MusicWeb International writes: 'The orchestral playing is impressive, right from the very beginning of the piece where, in the carefully laid out introduction, you sense that the orchestra is following the conductor with the intensity of a chamber performance... Ono skilfully balances his forces so that plenty of felicitous fine detail can be heard and appreciated.'