Shostakovich: Cello Sonata in D minor, Op. 40

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"superbly played" Gramophone

“Rarely can [Rachmaninov's Cello Sonata] have been recorded in a performance of such potent and poetic intensity, intelligence and clarity as that which the Scottish cellist Robert Irvine and his responsive, vital pianist, Graeme McNaught, give here. Shostakovich’s Cello Sonata is equally well done: poised, subtle and controlled where it needs to be, but appositely pugnacious, brittle and pointed in the scherzo. Rachmaninov’s Vocalise, an apt vehicle for Irvine’s gloriously seductive singing tone, appealingly separates the two works.” Sunday Times, 27th July 2008 ****

“[In the] Shostakovich Robert Irvine… and his excellent pianist, Graeme McNaught, keep the textures light… It is highly intelligent playing of an emotionally complex work. Rachmaninov's textures are also kept light, even when the keyboard writing is at its most abundant. This is a performance that says more about the heart of the work than when that heart is placed on the performers' sleeves.” Gramophone Magazine, Awards Issue 2008

…..”the insights she brings to these works, along with her innate refinement and technical expertise, make these unusually distinguished performances. Accompanied by Jeremy Young, her colleague at the Royal College of Music, Georgian’s version of works at the heart of the cello repertoire rivals any in the catalogue.” Anthony Holden, Observer, August 2007

“Boris Andrianov is probably one of the most talented cellists of Russia at present.” Daniil Shafran