SARAH TAKAGI: Lavender Bouquet

Sarah Takagi

Lavender Bouquet

© 2007 Sarah Takagi (837101390118)

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Soothing, Soulful musical journey with the most beautiful romantic pieces written for the piano. For relaxation, healing, and pure enjoyment.

notes

Lavender Bouquet is a compilation of 12 of the most beautiful romantic pieces written for the piano by master composers Chopin, Schumann, Brahms, and others.
It takes you on a musical journey which will soothe and relax you as critically acclaimed pianist Sarah Takagi performs each piece with deliberate choice of tempi, touch, and artistry which are carefully executed for the intention of healing and relaxation.

The musical/healing journey:

The journey begins with pieces written in the minor key, as it takes you on a slow, soothing journey of subtle shifting moods, reaching its emotional climax with piece #8 in the passionate C# minor etude by Scriabin. Immediately following is a smooth, enharmonic transition to the serenely blissful D flat major “Abends” by Schumann. With the shift into the major mode, the final four pieces envelop the listener in a new musical horizon of brighter hue, light, and quiet joy. With our hearts nourished and our spirits awakened, we anchor into the quiet harbor of the concluding intermezzo by Brahms which begins with the quote: “ Sleep my child, sleep . . . ”


The special healing energy of the CD:

This CD has been recorded on a 9ft Steinway grand piano which has been blessed with Reiki symbols and healing energy by the pianist, who is also a Reiki master. The CD brings you the sound from Boston’s Jordan hall, internationally celebrated for its most perfect natural acoustics.



About Pianist Sarah Takagi:

Pianist Sarah Takagi made her debut at age 11 with a Mozart concerto. Since then, she has performed a wide variety of concerti ranging from traditional works by Bach, Beethoven, to modern works by Prokofiev and Gershwin with such renowned conductors as Carl St. Clair and Pascal Verrot. Her recent performance of the Grieg Concerto was described as “Riveting, electric and powerful” (Melrose Free Press) and received an unprecedented standing ovation from a full house of 800 people immediately following the first movement.

As a winner of many competitions including the national title at the MTNA auditions, the Beethoven Society competition, and the Janet Gates Peckham international prize, she has performed numerous concerts in the United States, Canada, and Japan at such prestigious venues as the John F. Kennedy Center, Carnegie Recital hall, and Boston’s Jordan hall.
She has been seen and heard on national television and on the radio across the country.

As a recital soloist, she is known for her programs based on spirituality, frequently performing works by Messiaen, Scriabin, and her signature piece, the Bach-Busoni Chaconne. Her recent faculty recital at New England Conservatory’s celebrated Jordan hall titled “ To Infinity and Beyond: Music for the Soul” received an enthusiastic response from the audience: “ I am still flying in space from your gifts last night. Everyone I spoke with felt, like I do, you and your work are extraordinary. . . your performance was filled with Spirit and the vibrations touched the entire planet and beyond. . . ”

As a chamber musician, she performs frequently with many local musicians and ensembles including the critically acclaimed Radius Ensemble where her performance in the Brahms trio was voted “Audience Favorite”. In 1999, she and Longy faculty cellist Michael Bonner founded Duo Pianticella where they gave numerous performances in the New England area. Their live broadcast performance of the Rachmaninov sonata was selected as one of the top command performances on WGBH radio.

Sarah is a faculty member at the New England Conservatory of Music Extension and a former faculty member of Wellesley College.

reviews

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  • Musician (Institute of Music, Education, and Spirit-Body Integration)
    author: Dr. Jeffrey Goldberg

    Sarah Takagi's artistry and love for this music shines through in every bar, as does her authoritative presence and gift for getting to the essence of each piece, each composer. The album flows with organic unity - the cumulative effect is serene, graceful, poignant, and transcendent. Even amidst somber moments, the overarching sentiment is of compassion. In these waltzes, ballads, and lullabies, Ms. Takagi reveals the mystery at the heart of Chopin, Brahms, Schumann, etc. - exquisite harmonic shadings traverse sadness, epiphany, repose, and benediction. This is a gentle album to breathe to, to relax to, to celebrate the inner and outer dance of being human. Apropos: choreographers, filmmakers, and video artists have reason to rejoice over this CD - with its rhythmic layering, drawn-out currents of energy, and sterling evocation of the subtle nuances of human emotion, it invites collaboration as it presents the radiant flights of the soul. Strong-and-gentle, wise, and luminously clear, Ms. Takagi celebrates the freshness of each moment - beautiful, daring soundings, and an inspiration for the music-of-life!

  • True Inspiration
    author: Sally

    Sarah Takagi is a truly inspirational performer. As a music educator, I have used this CD to inspire my students to learn more, as a musician, I have shared this CD with fellow musicians for intellectual stimulation, as a healer, I have used this CD to regenerate and create. This music is truly heartfelt and sincere, as each sound vibration hits the core of who we are as peacemakers and messengers of love. The brilliance, sensitivity, freedom, thoughtful interpretation, and compassion in these notes create an environment of love and completeness, in which anything can be accomplished. Ms. Takagi is a truly gifted pianist, and her talents compare to the best in the field. This is a remarkable CD, and I highly recommend use of it in all of its versatile applications.

  • musician
    author: Christine Soroka

    This is the most gorgeous, relaxing piano music anyone would appreciate. This music gets to the core of the soul. Perfect selections transition beautifully from one to the next. So beautiful you are disappointed when it is over. Thank you for sharing your soul Sarah. You have enriched mine.

  • author: shvarts shifra

    I heard the CD and its a wonderful calming and relaxation music,I listend to it during my driving and it was facinating how it reduce my tention and even reduce my speed..., its a wonderful CD and recommended to all people who are looking for relaxation. You can listen to it over and over and its still touching, The pianist performance is unique and the music is clear and bright. Its a great CD.

  • a classical music lover
    author: Helen

    It is a great album I have listened to over and over. I'm getting another two for my mom and my friend who will join me to enjoy the beautiful sound and appreciate the passionating artwork. Thank Sarah and look forward to your another album soon.

  • Lavender Bouquet
    author: eu27music

    Rare is such integrity which co-habits with such discreetly explosive musicality! This CD shall travel throughout Europe and then further in no time. Congratulations!

  • author: janet craswell

    Sarah's musical offering is such a joy! As a pianist, I can fully appreciate the expertise that is evident in each lovely phrase of music. Perhaps more important, though, is the spirit of love and peace that flows throughout this music. Sarah's Lavender Bouquet will hold a special place in our music library. We will look forward to sharing this beautiful gift with our family and friends. Thank you, Sarah!

  • Clinical Psychology Ph. D. Student
    author: Sara Petrasso

    A moment's relaxation at the end of a hectic day is an absolute sanity saver for a busy grad student such as myself, especially living amidst the noise & chaos of New York City! There is nothing quite as soothing as coming home after a long day, playing "Lavendar Bouquet" and sipping a glass of wine! Bravisima!!

  • concertmaster
    author: Lorely Zgoonc

    Finally a CD I can listen to without thinking of "work". Sarah's "Lavender Bouquet" brings loving peace, healing and joy to the listener. I immediately shared this wonderful gift with a musician friend in the hospital. We enjoyed a family dinner with this CD as our background music. My great-nephew (2 1/2 years old) wanted to listen to it while riding on a car trip, and it is his CD of choice! I listen to it while resting prior to my 3 1/2 hour opera performance. As you can see, it serves multiple purposes, all of which bring the listener peace, joy and for myself, an appreciation of the outstanding quality of this recording in every aspect. Sarah's "Lavender Bouquet" will be this year's Christmas gift for friend's and family. Thank you, Sarah, for this incredibly beautiful music all in one package! We are truly blessed that you shared this with us.

  • Lavender Bouquet
    author: Ping Ye

    This CD is wonderful! I plan on listening to "Lavender Bouquet" in my lab. I will share this beatiful music with my friends too. Thank you Sarah for the brilliant gift.

  • Lavender Bouquet
    author: Liz Jenkins

    Nurturing music. I feel your passion streaming through the piano keys...Liz

  • Lavender Bouquet
    author: Karen Lovett

    I listen to Sarah's CD daily on my way to work. It is truly a joy to hear. She plays beautifully and consequently can truly touch your spirit! I will share the CD with so many others whom I know can benefit by this uplifting, soothing music. Thank You Sarah for this wonderful gift.

  • psychotherapist, musician
    author: Steven Schatz

    Sarah's touch is healing, uplifting and masterful. Upon listening to "Lavender Bouquet" one's consciousness is soothed, one's spirit is refined. Brilliant, gentle, and quietly passionate. I recommend "Lavender Bouquet" for all occasions.

  • Lavendar Bouquet
    author: Gail Green

    Magical - actually mesmerizing! I plan on buying several copies of Sarah Takagi's "Lavendar Bouquet" as gifts, when they come in. I don't even have any musical background to fully appreciate all the technical perfection; I just know how wonderful it "feels" - and that's worth sharing. Gail Green, Realtor

  • Lavender Bouquet
    author: Archibald Edwards

    The playing of the piano on this CD has a soulful, meditative quality to it that I found quite soothing and nourishing, as if Ms. Takagi were imbuing every note with a Reiki/medicinal kind of aura!

  • Lavender Bouquet
    author: Donna Galloway

    Thanks Sarah for making such lovely music to soothe the soul, you have a wonderful gift. I will play your cd in my healing practice and I know it will just enhance the sessions, my clients will love it! Donna Galloway, LCMT, energy/sound healer

  • Lavender Bouquet
    author: Ross Miller

    Masterfully done. Bravo! Move over Andrea Bocelli, I plan on listening to Sarah Takagi's "Lavender Bouquet" CD from now on when I feel like relaxing, reading or meditating. Ross Miller,psychic healer

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