Search - Henryk Wieniawski, Sergei Prokofiev, Sergei Rachmaninov :: Sasha Plays Romantic Russian Rarities

Musical talent often runs in families--Bach's and Mozart's come readily to mind. Alexander Sitkovetsky represents the youngest of three generations of famous Russian musicians, including a violinist grandfather and uncle, and a pianist grandmother and mother. Indeed, his mother performs with him on this, his debut recording. Sitkovetsky started playing violin at the age of 6 and he was performing two years later. Yehudi Menuhin, impressed by his talent, invited him to study at his school and took him under his wing. He has embarked on a flourishing career as a teenager. He is indeed a most successful young violinist, with the technique and flair of a virtuoso, but also the lyrical soul of a poet. The program on this disc is well-suited to his years, but it's of very uneven musical quality, featuring mainly encore pieces. Some are too long, some are cheap and corny, most are often dubious transcriptions--they are showpieces that display Sitkovetsky's brilliant technique. The most remarkable aspect of his playing, however, is that he approaches the music with total seriousness, without a hint of sentimentality or condescension; he even slides with restraint and discretion. His tone is austere, pure, never sweet or throbbing, and he can vary it instantly to fit mood and character. Thus, he succeeds in concealing the banality and bringing out the charm and expressive lyricism of these musical trifles. Prokofiev's Five Pieces from the ballet Cinderella are most engaging; Zimbalist's Fantasy on a theme by Rimsky-Korsakov, an empty bravura piece, is least satisfying. No matter--the playing's the thing. It will be very interesting to see what this arresting, appealing player does with more substantial repertoire. --Edith Eisler