Cellist Erica Piccotti is an Italian musician that is the winner of numerous first place prizes in national and international competitions, including: Rassegna Nazionale d’Archi Vittorio Veneto, National Prize of Arts, which nominated her the best cellist in Italian conservatories, Città di Padova Award, Jugend Musiziert of Nuremberg and NYIAA Competition, whose victory allowed her to perform at the Carnegie Hall in New York, the International Cello Competition Antonio Janigro for young cellists, Premio Crescendo and A. Provenzani” reserved for the best cellist of the competition. Piccotti graduated summa cum laude at age fourteen from the Santa Cecilia Conservatory. Her debut recording, Stravinsky, Prokofiev & Franck: Works for Cello & Piano, demonstrates the elegance and dexterity the nineteen-year-old transfers into the twelve selections. Accompanied by pianist Itamar Golan, they have a chemistry that breathes and moves as the two entwine their parts with passion and musicality. Piccotti’s tone is excellent and her emotional and stylistic command brings out the motoric rhythms of Prokofiev and Stravinsky, while clearly conveying the beauty of the melodic passages. That’s the short of it!
Positives:
Piccotti’s soulful lyricism brings out the best in these pieces, and the chemistry between Piccotti and Golan is breathtaking.
Bottom Line:
Piccotti’s Stravinsky, Prokofiev & Franck: Works for Cello & Piano presents a variety of themes, both animated and broadly lyrical, she does an excellent job of development, largely due to her passionate approach to the rhythmic aspects of the compositions and her stunning lyricism on the cello. Piccotti effortlessly slips in and out of the technical sections while bringing out subtle colors in tone that best fit the mood and character of the piece. This is a superb performance by two musicians that are exciting and innovative on their instruments. They drive to the climaxes and give lyrical shape to the beautiful themes, which results in an outstanding listen!