6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
An Enjoyable and Interesting Collection, February 12, 2008
This review is from: The Russian Oboe (Audio CD)
I didn't pay all that much attention to this CD when I ordered it. I saw the names of the composers and noticed that one track was a transcription of "The Flight of the Bumblebee." I assumed that the entire CD would be a collection of Russian music transcribed for oboe and piano, perfect as background music. As I listened and read the liner notes, I discovered I had a rather different CD than I expected, but one that is more satisfying. Most of the music included was written for oboe and piano by leading Russian composers from the nineteenth and twentieth centuries and just about each track, with the exception of "The Flight of the Bumblebee," was composed as a duet for the oboe and piano
The performers are oboist Ivan Paisov and pianist Natalia Shcherbakova. Paisov is one of Russia's leading oboists and seems to have a successful solo career (at least according to the liner notes). His beautiful playing shows he both loves and is familiar with the repertoire. Shcherbakova is an excellent accompanist. This CD seems to be the first recording for both artists (at least according to Amazon and the Naxos label website). As is often the case with Naxos CD's, the price makes it reasonable to take a chance on a CD with unfamiliar music without suffering too much of a loss if the recording is not worthwhile. It's also true that as is often the case with Naxos recordings, a true gem is discovered for a more than reasonable price, and this collection of Russian music for oboe and piano is such a find.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Russian Oboe, a good purchase., November 9, 2008
This review is from: The Russian Oboe (Audio CD)
The performers are of a high standard. Ivan Paisov produces a unique sound with his oboe and plays the lyrical sections with great sensitivity and brings the virtuoso ones to dizzying heights.
Natalia Sherbakova provides real support throughout the CD and stays out of the way in the pianissimo sections.
Her 'break outs' are some times a tad wild but gives nevertheless added spark.
A very nice CD which will provide more insight into the music the more it is played.
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