Sketches From The Catwalk: 1. Allegretto, ma non troppo
Sketches From The Catwalk: 2. Lento tranquillo
Sketches From The Catwalk: 3. Rubato - Marcia. allegro
Preludia, Op. 11, No. 1
Reminiscense
RAYMONDA: Entracte (To Scene II)
Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14
Dark Blue: 1. Dark Blue
Dark Blue: 2. Melting Matters
Dark Blue: 3. Conversation Of Two
El Amor Brujo: Ritual Fire Dance
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 deb... more »ut recording proves that she 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. She 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« less
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 she 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. She 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
"Although I would have liked to hear perhaps some more serious repertoire from Ms.Kotova, this album of tasty morsels is certainly beautiful. Her sound is full and rich, and her technique is awesome.Yo Yo Ma and Rostropovich should take a lesson from this cellist -- I don't know anyone else who would try to play Petrouchka on the cello."
Beautiful, Haunting and Lingers in the Mind
11/03/2001
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I bought Nina Kotova's debut CD after my parents mentioned how thrilled friends of theirs in Salt Lake City had been after attending one of her concerts. I played this CD two or three times a week for six months until other members of my household started pleading for more musical variety. I still put it on occasionally, and more often when I'm alone. It has a haunting quality to it, a sweet beauty and melancholy that linger in the mind long after the music is over. I have bought it as a gift to friends and family members, including a long-term houseguest of ours who practically requested it when she left. Kotova's life story is fascinating -- persecution, exile to two countries, further musical studies, modeling (!), etc., but the main theme in her life and that of her parents is love of music, and it shows on every track of this CD. It is a wonderful debut piece for a relatively young artist. I keep checking back here to see if she has come out with a new CD, and I look forward to hearing her over the years as she matures as an artist."
Very disappointed.
10/20/1999
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I was expecting much more from a Russian cellist. I agree with the New York Times - this is just dinner music. After listening to it for about a week, I put some other music on (Jacqueline du Pre, Yo-Yo Ma) and I could immediately hear the difference. Kotova's playing is "fluffy." And her own pieces do not have much depth."
INCREDIBLY BEAUTIFUL PLAYING, THE BEST YOUNG CELLIST TODAY
09/20/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"THE CHOICE OF REPERTOIRE, GORGEOUS PLAYING AND FANTASTIC TECHNIQUE MAKE THIS THE BEST CELLO CD I HAVE HEARD IN YEARS. I HOPE MANY MORE WILL COME FROM THIS YOUNG ARTIST."
Wonderful, rich playing
10/31/1999
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I have finally had the chance to hear a new artist that moves me. Nina Kotova's rich,glorious playing is some of the most wonderful playing I have heard in years. She certainly brings out the true character of the Russian soul. I look forward to her next cd -- hopefully concerti!"