Shostakovich: Piano Trio No.2/Viola Sonata/Seven Romances On Verses By A. Blok

Editorial Reviews
About the Artist
The Bekova sisters, Elvira (violin), Eleonora (piano) and Alfia (cello) have been playing together since childhood in Kazakhstan and after a period of forced separation and persecution in the former Soviet Union are now one of the most celebrated chamber ensembles. "A PR department’s delight: the Bekova Sisters attract more praise- can they do no wrong?" …captioned the review of the Bekovas’ Chandos Tchaikovsky Piano Trio recording in Classic CD of July 1999. Praised for the impeccable suppleness and lilt of their rhythm, spotless intonation, subtle interplay, uncanny unanimity, and exemplary judgement of mood and formal perspective, this recording was one of that magazine’s ‘Choice’ selections. A similar accolade was bestowed by the BBC Music Magazine selection of their Chandos recording of Martinu Trios as a CD of the year in 1998. The Strad Magazine hailed the Bekova CD of Clarke and Ives Trios as its recording of the month in October 2000 and the same disc was one of Gramophone Magazine’s Critics’ Choice for the year 2000. Their recording of the Shostakovich piano trio has been repeatedly regarded as a benchmark performance in Gramophone Magazine and both Martinu recordings were similarly recognised by the same publication in December 2000. The Bekovas are amongst the most recorded of piano trios. In May 1999, Classic CD considered them to be one of the few trios from the current generation who will achieve an enduring reputation in their review of the relative standing of twentieth century piano trios. Gramophone Magazine comments on Bekova recordings include: "Strong, enjoyable, up-front performances from the talented Bekova Sisters."(Grechaninov Trios) "The playing throughout has spirit and dedication."(Martinu Trios) "An account as moving as any and as finely played."(Tchaikovsky Trio) "Stunning"(Clarke/Ives Trios) The Bekovas have performed around the globe since reuniting in London in 1989. Their repertoire includes all the major trios from Haydn to Schnittke as well as having performed and recorded many less familiar works. They have given world premiers as dedicatees of works by David Heath, Michael Finnissy, Steven Gerber, Timur Tleukan and Sergei Zhukov. They have arranged many familiar works for performance by piano trio including Mussorgsky's Pictures at an Exhibition and Tchaikovsky's The Seasons. Their concert appearances have ranged from solo virtuoso performances through chamber work with other noted musicians such as Gidon Kremer to concerti with orchestras such as the Moscow Philharmonic and the St Petersburg Philharmonic.

Album Description
The Bekova recording of the Shostakovich Trio has frequently been considered by reviewers as a benchmark recording against which all other trios must be compared. This piece is at the heart of the Bekova repertoire and was played by the sisters to the composer when they were studying at the Central Music School for Children in Moscow.

Reviews of their live performances include the following comments on their debut performance in the West after the trio were able to reunite in London: “The programme held the audience from their first entry. Being sisters, their rapport was quite natural, but they have something more. Their rhythmic drive is exceptional and also their ability to roughen the sound when necessary, and keep within the limits of good music-making. This was outstanding in their performance of the Shostakovich trio in E minor, op 67, which was breathtaking.” The Strad (Great Britain), May 1990

Tracks:

Piano Trio No. 2 In E Minor: I - Andante - Moderato - Poco piu mosso
Piano Trio No. 2 In E Minor: II - Allegro con brio
Piano Trio No. 2 In E Minor: III - Largo
Piano Trio No. 2 In E Minor: IV - Allegretto
Viola Sonata In C Major: I - Moderato
Viola Sonata In C Major: II - Allegretto
Viola Sonata In C Major: III - Adagio

Tracks:

Seven Romances On Verses By A. Blok: Ophelia's Song
Seven Romances On Verses By A. Blok: Hamayun, The Prophetic Bird
Seven Romances On Verses By A. Blok: 'We Were Together...'
Seven Romances On Verses By A. Blok: 'The City Sleeps...'
Seven Romances On Verses By A. Blok: Storm
Seven Romances On Verses By A. Blok: Mysterious Signs
Seven Romances On Verses By A. Blok: Music

Album Description

The Bekova recording of the Shostakovich Trio has frequently been considered by reviewers as a benchmark recording against which all other trios must be compared. This piece is at the heart of the Bekova repertoire and was played by the sisters to the composer when they were studying at the Central Music School for Children in Moscow.

Track Listings:

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

Back in the World [Extra tracks] [Live] [Import]

Great Virtuosi of the Golden Age, Vol. 1 - Violin

Harsh Light of Day [Import]

Africa N'Da Blues

1990

Heart and Soul (Nexus)

Grease (Original 1978 Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Soundtrack]

Fallen [Import]

E Pluribus Esteban

Choral Masterworks Series Volume 1

From the Ground Up

Egoismo de Amor

De Sangre Salvaje

What The... You Mean I Can't Sing?

Platinum & Gold Collection