Customer Reviews

Rachmaninoff - The Elegiaque Piano Trios

5 star:		(8)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The 2003/2004 edition of the prestigious PENGUIN Guide to Compact Discs & DVDs (Published by Penguin Books: London, New York, Australia, Canada, India, New Zealand, South Africa) evaluates classical recordings with one to three stars, and gave this Tavros recording THREE stars ("An outstanding performance and recording in every way").

From: Rachmaninov Chamber Music listings (p. 1021):

Trios elégiaques Nos. 1 in G minor., Op. 8; 2 in D min., Op. 9.

*** Tavros EPT 4516. Yoo, Sakharova, Arnadóttir.

An outstanding new coupling of the paired Rachmaninov Trios elégiaques from this impressive group of young musicians - Korean pianist Yung Wook Yoo, Russian violinist Julia Sakharova, with the warm-toned Icelandic cellist, Margarét Arnadóttir. They make a fine team and give performances that are as passionate as they are lyrically spontaneous. The long elliptical first movement of Op. 8 is admirably shaped, and the pianist emerges with special distinction in the following even more extended set of variations. The D minor Trio is an elegy for Tchaikovsky and its atmosphere of Russian melancholy (the composer's marking is lento lugubre) is richly caught, notably by the cellist. The recording is vividly up front - on one occasion the bass end of the piano is made to seem right on top of the listener - but the performances are so committedly vivid and alive that this debut CD must be welcomed with enthuasiasm."

It is so rare to hear music like this, played with such passion and depth in this the age of mass production and indifference. On hearing the instrumentalists enter one by one, layering texture upon texture, slowly weaving together the immensely colourful fabric of this piece, I was staggered not only at the sheer beauty of the music but with the illustration of the talents that these musicians have. The depth of understanding that the performers posses allows them to portray the psychological insight that Rachmaninoff himself had into the enigmatic themes of love, pain and human fallibility. I would reccomend this recording to anyone as it allows all, even those who are less familiar with the classical and romantic genres to be enveloped into the music and for the longest time, transported into the inner depths of Rachmaninoff's emotions. It is truly beautiful, a must buy for any who know what the meaning of true beauty is to the ears.

This cd is a rare and wonderful discovery - amazing depth and sophistication from such youthful talent. Brilliant! A must have!!!!

Its not every day that you hear a great composer's spirit and personality shine so clearly through a recording. Julia Sakharova's passionate, Romantically-extravagant voice on the violin; the grandeur and drama of Yung Wook Yoo's pianistic mastery; the heartfelt and serene cello playing by Arnadottir; these three magically matched musicians created an amazing sound, and performed the monumental Elegiaque Piano Trios with a bewitching blend of longing and conviction. A definitive interpretation worthy of being embraced by Rachmaninoff himself. This recording will turn every one of your tears into a diamond.

So much emotion, so much passion, the music drew me in and didn't let go until the very last note! If after listening to this you remain unmoved, your heart must be made of stone! Mine definitely isn't, and I'm still reeling from the impact, my head is spinning! THIS is the way to approach music!! Quite an amaizing performance!!!

Im always looking for a CD to fill the holes in my collection of over a 1000 classical cds, how I let this gem slip through is beyond me. With only a few reviews I was a bit leary but I bought it anyway. I was immediately drawn in by the emotion of this piece, it runs the gamit. I don't have comparison recording of it but it certainly captured my attention.
When I was finished listening I ran it again and even better, this will stay in my cd player for a while. My beloved Rachmaninoff never ceases to amaze me. The recording was not bad, I'd never heard of the label, but for the used price I hardly would complain. I'd like to see this piece get some exposure in Gramophone. Buy this music if you like raw emotion in your music, it isn't pretty, but it must be heard by classical fans.

This is the performance that Rachmaninoff could only have dreamed of. Russian violinist Julia Sakharova, Icelandic Cellist Margret Arnadottir, and Korean Pianist Yung Wook Yoo combine their talents to create a sound which will echo in the depths of your soul; sometimes haunting, sometimes uplifting, and always captivating.

Mr.Yoo's technical expertise with the piano is surpassed only by his deep understanding of the feelings Rachmaninoff conveys in his composition. Ms.Arnadottir, similarly, handles her instrument with elegance and grace. The deep and rich sound of her cello fills up the whole CD. Finally the third person of this musical trinity, Ms.Sakharova, completes the masterpiece with the passionate, poignant, and intimate sound of her violin.

The Elegiaque Piano Trios recorded by Tavros will leave you mesmerized by beauty. You will hear three dedicated musicians who emphasize passion and understanding over the obsession with technical perfection so common in the world of Classical music today. It takes Romantics to properly play Romantic music and Tavros chose the right musicians. Rachmaninoff would be pleased.

I find it very refreshing to hear real musical talent from such young artist. As an arts critique, I was mostly struck by the deeply fulfilling voice of Julia Sakharova's violin playing, which is clearly definitive of the Russian School. She demonstrates unabashed artistry, and is genuine and giving enough to not only serve us the soul of Rachmaninoff, but her soul as well.
--Well Done!

Hooray for Tavros Records! They have given us a thoughtful, inspired rendering of two beautiful Rachmaninoff piano trios. Performances are incredible! Many thanks. Hope a lot of folks find this rare jewel.