Yuri Botnari, PROKOFIEV – MUSSORGSKY – TCHAIKOVSKY Review
Connect with Yuri Botnari: Facebook
Yuri Botnari is presenting Mussorgsky’s “Pictures at an Exhibition,” Prokofiev’s “Romeo and Juliet,” and three selections from Tchaikovsky: a Waltz from Sleeping Beauty. Polonaise from Eugene Onegin and Pas de Deux from Nutcracker. Recorded at the Beatles famous Abbey Road Studios with the infamous London Symphony Ochestra, Prokofiev – Mussorgsky – Tchaikovsky is an excellent recording of these favorite masterworks. Maestro Botnari is able to ignite the LSO in a magical performance that was captured in pristine fidelity. One hundred people from different countries collaborated on this classical music project that was a project of the Royal Music Society. The project served as an opportunity to combine the cultural and creative powers of the European conductor Yuri Botnari and the London Symphony Orchestra with the US Grammy producer Cristina Botnari. The result is a stunning recording of the most cherished Russian masterpieces, lead by the masterful direction of Botnari.
Positives:
A tremendous reading of the Russian composers works, outstanding playing, recording and directing period!
Bottom Line:
The London Symphony Orchestra is legendary as is Abbey Road Studios. The magic happens when you add Maestro Botnari’s direction. His musical vision shaped the lyrical phrases that morph into long sustained passage, soft colors of high-register chords, petulant marching, murmuring trills and a driving pulse are conjured for a bold melodic reading of “Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64: Montagues and Capulets.” Another of the many high points is “Nutcracker, Op. 21: Pas de deux.” The attention to the pulse and movement in the themes display a wide array of nuances and inflections and all with the most sensitive detail to dynamics. In essence, the execution grows increasingly more effortless and romantic. Botnari understands and brings out the composer’s expressive directives and sustains them, as he refines over time to build the dramatic ending. The wonderful recording brilliantly captures the music’s fervent intensity and joyful ambition. In sum, Prokofiev - Mussorgsky – Tchaikovsky is an excellent recording that keeps the high standards of the Royal Music Society. All led by Botanri’s impeccable ability, integrity, and the capacity to honor the tradition, while embracing change at the same time.