“[William Sterndale Bennett’s Sonata Op. 13] found an ardent champion here in Hiroaki Takenouchi’s dense, sculptural and brilliant piano playing.” - 5 stars Diapason, Jérôme Bastianelli “Rich in tone and possessing an enviably secure technique” – 5 Stars Classical Ear, Andrew Achenbach “Hiroaki Takenouchi […] is impeccable in his pianism and unfailing in his idiomatic grasp.” Gramophone, David Fanning “The performances are excellent. Takenouchi’s skill and, as important, his belief in the music makes him a convincing advocate. Yates and the RNSO capably abet a worthy enterprise.” American Record Guide, Don O’Connor “… tasteful and controlled playing enhanced by an enviable handling of rhythmic flexibility… Takenouchi is a safe pair of hands…” British Music Society, Michael Round “gracefully expressive” BBC Music Magazine, Michael Church Heralded by The Times as “just the sort of champion the newest of new music needs”, while being praised as “impeccable in his pianism and unfailing in his idiomatic grasp” by Gramophone, Takenouchi’s curiosity and a natural penchant for integrity makes his playing and vast repertoire unique amongst his generation of pianists. His love for the music of classical masters – particularly Haydn, Beethoven and Chopin – sits side by side with his passion for the music of Medtner, lesser-known British composers such as Sterndale Bennett and Parry, and the contemporary repertoire.