Nina Kotova - Chopin, Faure, Falla, Glazunov, et al

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
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

Tracks:

Nocturne, Op. 19, No. 4 In D minor
Romance (Ne poi, Krasavitsa, Op. 4)
Elegie In D Flat, Op. 17 (Pensee a Liszt)
Etude, Op. 25, No. 7
Pouchka: Danse Russe
Elegie
Le Coq d'Or: Hymn To The Sun (Turkish Princess)
Sketches From The Catwalk: 1. Allegretto, ma non troppo
Sketches From The Catwalk: 2. Lento tranquillo
Sketches From The Catwalk: 3. Rubato - Marcia. allegro
Preludia, Op. 11, No. 1
Reminiscense
RAYMONDA: Entracte (To Scene II)
Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14
Dark Blue: 1. Dark Blue
Dark Blue: 2. Melting Matters
Dark Blue: 3. Conversation Of Two
El Amor Brujo: Ritual Fire Dance

Amazon.com

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

Customer Reviews:

Garbage.......2002-10-17

This was my first exposure to Ms Kotova's work, and I have to say it does not inspire me to listen to her more. Perhaps I should have started with some other work of hers. The folks who glow about her tone, etc obviously have no exposure to REAL cellist. Suffice it to say, if you are a true classical music fan, run away from this garbage as fast as you can. If, on the other hand, you live by the brilliance of cHarlot Church, or Andrea Bocelli, then this is exactly the sort of thing for you. For those who sincerely want to hear what alternatives there are to this cellist, may I suggest anything by Janos Starker or Mischa Maisky, and Anner Bylsma for variety. THEN we can talk cello.

luxurious tone.......2002-02-08

I have the great pleasure of living in the city as Ms. Kotova,
Dallas, Texas. Although I do not know her well, her playing is
stunningly beautiful and this CD brings the best out in her. i
look forward to her next CD

wow!.......2001-11-14

What a gorgeous tone, expressive, delicate and powerful all at
once. I look forward to the next CD, hopefully concerto
repertoire.

Beautiful, Haunting and Lingers in the Mind.......2001-11-03

I bought Nina Kotova's debut CD after my parents mentioned how thrilled friends of theirs in Salt Lake City had been after attending one of her concerts. I played this CD two or three times a week for six months until other members of my household started pleading for more musical variety. I still put it on occasionally, and more often when I'm alone. It has a haunting quality to it, a sweet beauty and melancholy that linger in the mind long after the music is over. I have bought it as a gift to friends and family members, including a long-term houseguest of ours who practically requested it when she left. Kotova's life story is fascinating -- persecution, exile to two countries, further musical studies, modeling (!), etc., but the main theme in her life and that of her parents is love of music, and it shows on every track of this CD. It is a wonderful debut piece for a relatively young artist. I keep checking back here to see if she has come out with a new CD, and I look forward to hearing her over the years as she matures as an artist.

Sweet tone.......2001-07-27

I discovered Kotova through a Readers Digest article, and was intrigued, so I bought the disc. The many short selections of the cd is not enough to fully determine what she can bring to the great masterpieces. Based on the selections contained on the cd, one can immediately tell that she is a great cellist with a deep resonant tone. The standards, like Vocalise and Petroushka are well played. The other pieces have been orchestrated by Kotova, which makes the interpretation unique. I always enjoy hearing common pieces in new setting. Let's wait till Kotova tackles some warhorses, like the Shostakovich concerto, or the Bach concertos. If it's anything like her performances here, they will be welcomed by the classical community.

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