BEAUTIFUL VIOLIN/CELLO PERFORMANCES BY THE 'ELARIS DUO'
RBSProds | Deep in the heart of Texas | 11/26/2008
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Five EXULTANT Stars. An awe-inspiring triumph by the exuberant, award-winning 'Elaris Duo'!! Violinist Larisa Elisha and cellist Steven Elisha have their own critically-acclaimed individual performance careers and both are a formal part of academia with Ph.Ds and teaching careers as well. And yes, they are a married couple with a striking musical empathy on full display throughout this CD. Indeed, the recording itself is a virtual seminar in solo & chamber group dynamics, as well as compositional understanding & interpretation. This CD features Mozart's Duo in G major-K. 423, Boccherini's Sonata In D major, Haydn's Duo in D major, Beethoven's Duo in C-WoO 27, Halvorsen's Passacaglia (after Handel) and Zoltán Kodály's Duo, Opus 7. Quite a bit of formidable musical ground to cover and these virtuosos do it in a very inspired manner.
This is exceptional music with passionate, blazing bow-work by a duo that is clearly operating in the forefront of today's chamber group interpreters. Each piece is a gem in itself as the tones blend and bend to their musical wills. The 'Pièces de Résistance' begin with the soaring performance of Mozart's Duo, in particular the Rondo Allegro movement. Handel's beloved Passacaglia originally arranged for violin/viola by Halvorsen has been nicely adapted to violin/cello and performed by many duos, and this excellent version flows wonderfully, building and releasing tension. But perhaps the show-stopper is Kodály's Duo, in particular the Allegro Serioso, Non Troppo movement, running the gamut of emotions & nuances via some rippling bow work. And the magnificent 'tour de force' Maestoso E Largamente Ma Non Troppo Lento-Pesto movement with its blazing arco and pizzicato sections and wonderful soliloquies. The sound of this well-produced disc is clear, crisp, and beautifully recorded. This CD will fill your home with soaring, emotional classical music. Bravo, Elaris Duo! My Highest Recommendation. Five ENJOYABLE Stars!!!
(Audio CD: 66 plus minutes, with exceptional liner notes.)"