TABEA ZIMMERMANN & KIRILL GERSTEIN
Sonatas for Viola and Piano Vol. 2
Johannes Brahms
Franz Schubert
César Franck

MYR008, 1 hybrid SACD, 72:58, (P)2011 (C)2012 myrios classics & Deutschlandradio

Tabea Zimmermann and Kirill Gerstein return to the studio to record the follow-up to their highly praised first duo album. The new disc includes spellbinding performances of three late works by significant 19th century composers: Brahms mature Sonata in F minor, Schubert’s melancholic Arpeggione sonata, and Franck’s splendid Sonata in A major, all masterly performed on viola.

Press

“This is superb stuff! [...] I cannot remember having heard Brahms first clarinet sonata (op. 120/1) in its viola version played any better than on this disk [...] there is, however, much more to enjoy”
Adrian Cue, SA-CD.net

Tracklisting:

01-04: Johannes Brahms: Sonata for Viola & Piano in F minor op. 120/1
05-07: Franz Schubert: Sonata for Arpeggione (Viola) & Piano in A minor D.821
08-11: César Franck: Sonata for Violin (Viola) & Piano in A Major

Listen to audio clips

TABEA ZIMMERMANN & KIRILL GERSTEIN
Sonatas for viola and piano Vol. 1
Rebecca Clarke
Henri Vieuxtemps
Johannes Brahms

MYR004, 1 hybrid SACD, 65:39, & © 2010 myrios classics & Deutschlandradio

Tabea Zimmermann and Kirill Gerstein’s first duo album, including sonatas for viola and piano by Johannes Brahms, Henri Vieuxtemps and British-US composer Rebecca Clarke.

In the Press

“…Tabea Zimmermann and Kirill Gerstein give an impressive reference of their instrumental mastery…” Neue Zürcher Zeitung

“Tabea Zimmermann‘s sound is extraordinarily beautiful, round and luminous. Her performance is defined by rare precision and her musicality has a touching warmth. And she has an exceptional musician as a partner, Kirill Gerstein, whose playing sparkles in every bar.” Le Monde, France

“Zimmermann and Gerstein give an ideal performance.” Gramophone Magazine

“Let there be no doubt about it: Tabea Zimmermann is once again a miracle-maker. Her highly expressive playing is magnified by an ideal sense of dynamic and phrasing. Accompanied with brio by Kirill Gerstein, the violist offers us here, with this first volume, an unforgettable recording.” Jean-Jacques Millo, SA-CD.net

Tracklisting:

1. Sonata for Viola & Piano, 1919: I. Impetuoso - poco agitato 7:41
2. Sonata for Viola & Piano, 1919: II. Vivace 3:59
3. Sonata for Viola & Piano, 1919: III. Adagio – Allegro 10:27
4. Sonata for Viola & Piano in B-Flat Major, Op. 36: I. Maestoso - Allegro 11:26
5. Sonata for Viola & Piano in B-Flat Major, Op. 36: II. Barcarolla 7:08
6. Sonata for Viola & Piano in B-Flat Major, Op. 36: III. Finale Scherzando 4:08
7. Sonata for Viola & Piano in E-Flat Major, Op. 120/2: I. Allegro amabile 8:16
8. Sonata for Viola & Piano in E-Flat Major, Op. 120/2: II. Allegro appassionato 4:52
9. Sonata for Viola & Piano in E-Flat Major, Op. 120/2: III. Andante con moto 7:36

Schumann: Humoresque
Knussen: Ophelia’s Last Dance
Liszt: Sonata in B Minor

MYR005, 1 CD, 65:30, & © 2010 myrios classics

The spellbinding solo debut album of the 2010 Gilmore Artist on myrios classics, including Liszt‘s Sonata in B minor, Schumann‘s Humoreske and the world premiere recording of Oliver Knussen‘s enchanting composition ”Ophelia‘s Last Dance“ from 2010.

“The superb Russian-born pianist Kirill Gerstein, who received the prestigious Gilmore Artist Award this year, pairs Schumann‘s mercurial masterpiece “Humoresque” with Liszt‘s visionary Sonata in B minor, each played with exquisite technique, refined musicianship and engrossing imagination”

In the Press

NY Times’ 25 best classical recordings of 2010. Anthony Tommasini, The New York Times Gift Guide

The Top 5 Chopin and Schumann Albums of 2010 – The Best Music of 2010, National Public Radio USA

“…many pianists would be glad to claim Gerstein’s superb control, cultivation and taste, which makes themselves felt in Liszt’s B minor sonata” Jed Distler, Gramophone Magazine

“I suspect we are going to be hearing a lot more about Gerstein in years to come” Gavin Dixon, Classical CD Reviews

“A new generation of pianists raises, Kirill Gerstein represents them with dignity” Jean-Luc Caron, ResMusica.com

Tracklisting:

1. Humoreske, Op. 20: I. Einfach – Sehr rasch und leicht - Noch rascher – Erstes tempo – Wie im Anfang 5:19
2. Humoreske, Op. 20: II. Hastig – Nach und nach immer lebhafter und stärker – Wie vorher – Adagio 4:28
3. Humoreske, Op. 20: III. Einfach und zart – Intermezzo - Adagio 4:26
4. Humoreske, Op. 20: IV. Innig – Schneller – Sehr lebhaft - Immer lebhafter – Stretto – Mit einigem Pomp  5:45
5. Humoreske, Op. 20: V. Zum Beschluss 5:39
6. Ophelia’s Last Dance, Op. 32 10:16
7. Piano Sonata in B Minor S. 178: I. Lento assai – Allegro energico 12:24
8. Piano Sonata in B Minor S. 178: II. Andante sostenuto 6:47
9. Piano Sonata in B Minor S. 178: III. Allegro energico 1:43
10. Piano Sonata in B Minor S. 178: IV. Finale