"Ordinarily I cringe when I get a CD filled with "arrangements" of music, great or less great. My reasoning is that a composer knew what he was doing in the creative process and who is so-and-so to alter it? on the other hand proved so beautiful at first hearing that all my prejudices went out the window. Here are 13 tracks of Russian music by Gliere, Tchaikovsky, Mussorgsky, and other lesser known composers (including "Folk"), played with melancholy love by violinist Cerovsek. This Delos release is highly recommended not only for its playing but especially for the selections, some of which I do not think are available on any other recording."
Outstanding!
Govind Seshadri | Bangalore, India | 10/03/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"There are few albums that convey the pathos of the Russian soul like this one. This collection includes not only staples like "Serenade Melancolique" but also rare gems like "The Rush Light" and Gedike's "Miniature". Highly recommended!"
A Beautiful Musical Portrait of the Russian Soul
Classicalfan | Reston, VA USA | 01/09/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This music is pristine, exquisite, sublime. Everything on this CD is outstanding: the selections, the sound quality, the orchestra and the very talented violinist, Corey Cerovsek.
The CD insert is also excellent. It has a very well-written, detailed, informative essay explaining the historic origins of and influences on Russian music that have contributed to its special deep soulful character and concluding with a reference section on each of the composers represented on this CD. The essay is followed by information on the conductor, orchestra, and violinist.
The violinist, Corey Cerovsek, was 26 years old when he recorded this CD with Constantine Orbelian, one of the world's finest conductors, and the Moscow Chamber Orchestra, one of the world's great chamber orchestras. His playing is truly a pleasure to listen to. I quote directly from the CD insert: "Born in 1972 in Vancouver, Canada, Corey graduated at age 12 from the University of Toronto's Royal Conservatory of Music. That same year, he was accepted by Joef Gingold as a student and enrolled at Indiana University, where he received bachelor's degrees in mathematics and music at age 15, master's in both at 16, and ocmpleted his doctoral course work in mathematics and music at age 18."
The CD dedication is written by Constantine Orbelian:
"Dedicated to my mother, Vera Voznesenskaya Orbelian, who has given me tremendous love, comfort, happiness, strength -- and shown me life through her beautiful Russian soul."
This wonderful musical portrait of the beautiful Russian soul has my highest recommendation.
"
AH THOSE RUSSIANS ARE DELIGHTFUL
GEORGE RANNIE | DENVER, COLORADO United States | 01/02/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This album is a delight in every way. Russian Soul consists of mainly rather unknown works that were composed by and/or arranged by some very imminent Russian composers such as Borodin, Gliere, Shostakovich, Scriabin, and, of course, Tchaikovsky. These works are filled with those rather dark, melancholy and beautiful melodies which are played exquisitely by the Moscow Chamber Orchestra lead by Constantine Oberlin and featuring Corey Cerovesk on violin who plays most sensitively and beautifully. At all times, one is made very aware of the gorgeous melodies in these works!
If you love Russian music, as I do, and want to hear some works that are not performed too often, buy this album.