Prokofiev, Shostakovich & Khachaturian: Cello Sonatas

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of classical chamber music with Marina Tarasova's stunning album, "Prokofiev, Shostakovich & Khachaturian: Cello Sonatas." Released on April 3, 2020, under the Northern Flowers label, this album is a testament to Tarasova's exceptional artistry and her deep connection with the cello. Spanning a little over an hour, this collection features a trio of masterful cello sonatas that showcase the breadth of Tarasova's musical prowess.

The album opens with Prokofiev's Cello Sonata in C Major, Op. 119, a work that Tarasova navigates with grace and precision, her playing marked by a delicate balance of power and subtlety. The sonata's three movements offer a journey through a landscape of contrasting moods, from the somber Andante grave to the lively Allegro, ma non troppo.

Next, Tarasova tackles Shostakovich's Cello Sonata in D Minor, Op. 40, a piece that demands both technical skill and emotional depth. Tarasova rises to the challenge, delivering a performance that is as nuanced as it is virtuosic. The sonata's four movements take the listener on a rollercoaster of emotions, from the introspective Largo to the exuberant final Allegro.

The album concludes with Khachaturian's Cello Sonata-Fantasia, a work that Tarasova interprets with a fiery passion. The piece's complex rhythms and harmonies are no match for Tarasova's technical prowess, and her playing is marked by a sense of joy and exuberance that is infectious.

Throughout the album, Tarasova's playing is characterized by a deep understanding of the music and a commitment to its emotional core. Her performances are marked by a sense of intimacy and immediacy, as if she is playing directly for the listener. The result is an album that is both a showcase for Tarasova's talents and a celebration of the cello sonata as a form.

Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Marina Tarasova's "Prokofiev, Shostakovich & Khachaturian: Cello Sonatas" is an album that is sure to captivate and inspire. With its stunning performances and beautiful sound, it is a testament to the power of music to move and uplift the soul.