Search - Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Sergey Rachmaninov, Alexander Glazunov :: Nina Kotova - Chopin, Faure, Falla, Glazunov, et al

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