Search - Prokofiev, Bielov, Tchetuev :: Violin Sonatas

First-Class Performances

T. Beers | Arlington, Virginia United States | 03/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"On this wonderfully cheap Naxos CD, twenty-something Ukrainian violinist Andrey Bielov delivers marvelously involving performances of both Prokofiev violin & piano sonatas, plus the Solo Violin Sonata (op. 115) and "Five Melodies for Violin and Piano." It's quite the gutsy recording debut given spectacular competition from the likes of Itzhak Perlman (RCA/BMG), Joshua Bell (Decca), and others. But Bielov doesn't duck the challenge, and it's clear he's already damn close to being a world-class talent. Not surprisingly, Bielov's performance style recalls that of Ukraine's most famous modern violinist, the great David Oistrakh. Which is another way of saying that you should be prepared for gobs and gobs of color, fabulous technical control, and unstinting (but completely intelligent) use of vibrato. He is ably accompanied by another Ukrainian, pianist Igor Tchetnev (age 23), who also is new to me and who easily stands comparison with Perlman's and Bell's pianists (Vladimir Ashkenazy and Oli Mustonen). Naxos provides first-rate digital sound and includes full notes about music and performers. This is a fabulous bargain that shouldn't be missed by any lover of Prokofiev and/or first-rate violin playing."

Wonderful Recording

Donald G. Hite III | Houston, Tx USA | 06/29/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I actually bought this recording just to hear the second sonata. Being familiar with the original flute version and the transcribed clarinet version, I wanted to hear it on violin. Well, I was pleasantly surprised! The piece is incredible on violin and played very well. The first violin sonata is absolutely sublime. These are the only words that can describe the piece's beauty and genius. I highly recommend this CD, especially for anyone familiar with the original flute sonata op. 94 looking for a new angle on the piece. The price is great too."