Firma Melodiya presents a set of Johann Sebastian Bach’s chamber music performed by the duet of Alexander Zagorinsky (cello) and Einar Steen-Nøkleberg (piano, Norway).
Their collaboration started back in 2002 and since then the musicians have demonstrated their outstanding professional mastery and complete unanimity in emotional and stylistic rendition of music. Alexander Zagorinsky is a representative of Natalia Shakhovskaya’s Moscow school and former concertmaster of the group of cellos of the Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra. The musician’s extensive repertoire includes music of four centuries. In the opinion of authoritative sources, Norwegian pianist Einar Steen-Nøkleberg is the best interpreter of Grieg’s music who combines his solo career with active teaching. The difference in age and traditions did not prevent them from forming an ideal team where both are quick to understand each other.
While their first joint album was dedicated to the age of romanticism, this time around they turn to Johann Sebastian Bach’s music. The programme of the set demonstrates the cellist’s and pianist’s mastery as both ensemble and virtuosic solo performers. The album features three sonatas for cello and clavier, six solo cello suites and six “French” harpsichord suites. The musicians dedicated their album to Tatiana Nikolayeva, a distinguished domestic pianist and winner of the International Johann Sebastian Bach Competition. Her recitals were a significant influence on the formation of both musicians’ appreciation of music.
