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Chopin, Faure, Falla, Glazunov,
et al
Described as "a major Russian prodigy,"
Nina Kotova, daughter of two musicians, had a promising musical
beginning, but had to leave Russia and spent some years modeling
and composing before returning to the cello. This debut recording
proves that Nina Kotova is indeed very talented, but is designed
mainly to display her tone, which is full and pure in every register
and rather beautiful, if without much variation. The program
consists of short pieces, mostly transcriptions, predominantly
Russian and predominantly slow, sentimental, and melancholy.Kotova
made many arrangements herself, presumably including the orchestrations,
and there are also several of her own compositions. Kotova describes
the latter as representing real-life events and experiences;
several contain elements of jazz and improvisation. The orchestrations
throughout are full of color and sound effects, but seem more
suitable as accompaniments for films than for concert pieces.
The playing reflects the rather limited expression and mood of
the music, and is clean, disciplined, and controlled. It will
be interesting to see how this gifted player approaches a musically
more substantial, varied program. --Edith Eisler |
Reviewer: Brian from Manteca, CA
I discovered Kotova through a Readers Digest article, and was
intrigued, so I bought the disc. The many short selections of
the cd is not enough to fully determine what she can bring to
the great masterpieces. Based on the selections contained on
the cd, one can immediately tell that she is a great cellist
with a deep resonant tone. The standards, like Vocalise and Petroushka
are well played. The other pieces have been orchestrated by Kotova,
which makes the interpretation unique. I always enjoy hearing
common pieces in new setting. Let's wait till Kotova tackles
some warhorses, like the Shostakovich concerto, or the Bach concertos.
If it's anything like her performances here, they will be welcomed
by the classical community. |
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