Search - Franz [Vienna] Schubert, Robert Schumann, Max Bruch :: Schubert: Sonata In A/Schumann: Märchenbilder/Adagio & Allegro/Bruch: Kol Nidrei/Enesco: Konzertstücke

Wonderful Viola Repertoire from the Romantic Period

Percy Wong | USA | 05/23/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yuri Bashmet's recording of the Arpegionne sonata and the Marchenbilder are excellent, as with the other pieces on this disc. Although the Arpegionne sonata is mostly heard on cello, I think the viola transcription has a distinct, touching, aura to it, particularly the slow second movement. The Marchenbilder, or Fairy Tales, is one of the few works from the Romantic Period written for viola, which is too bad, because as you can hear in this recording, the viola is very well suited to the style of this period. Yuri Bashmet's playing is impeccable, and this recording is my favorite of the Marchenbilder. The last three works on this disc are interesting as well, although they do not compel constant, repeated listenings. The Bruch Kol Nidrei on this disc is originally for cello and orchestra, but is played in the transcription for viola and piano reduction. However, Yuri Bashmet has also made a recording of this work for viola and orchestra, which is on a disc with the Walton Concerto, Bruch Romance, and Bruch Concerto for Violin and Viola, also highly recommended."

A tribute

Bach H. Nguyen | MA | 09/25/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Yuri Bashmet came to the Moscow Conservatoire at the age of eighteen and studied with violinist Vadim Borisovsky, but became the youngest ever candidate of professorship after that. He was one of most skillful at class, but likes to play The Beatle's songs with guitar. With a special talent, there are many composers had written for him, including Giya Kancheli, John Tavener, Poul Ruders, Sofia Gubaidulina...Several years ago, he has made an inpressive program on the Moscow chanel, called "The station of Dreams".

This CD is one of the best of Bashmet. He played gently, lovely in Schubert sonata in A, and unbelivably with Schumann's Marchenbilder. Especially in Schumann's Adagio/Allegro, you can feel the sound of a young Daniel Shafran. I recommend this CD and believe you will be happy with it."

Very impressive!

Marilyn R. Lee | Natick, MA USA | 01/27/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this CD for my son, a violist, who will be studying the Schubert "Arpeggione" and the Schumann "Adagio & Allegro" in the coming year. I was unfamiliar with Yuri Bashmet, but am now a fan. His tone and interpretation are gorgeous. I hope he will be playing in the Boston area soon so I can attend a live concert."