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Nina Kotova: Artist on the Move 01/12/2017 06:08 pm ET
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Nina Kotova is a busy artist.
With Ms. Kotova’s new album of Russian music set for release this week on Warner Classics, I
took some time to listen to the new CD and to speak with the peripatetic and talented cellist about
the release, her career and some of the new and different projects she is working on.
First of all, upon listening to the CD, one is immediately struck by the balance of beauty and
power that Ms. Kotova is able to strike. Kotova has the ability to do virtually anything from a
technical point of view on the cello: the sound she is able to produce is immense and her digital
prowess is unassailable. What is fascinating however is how she balances those skills with her
ability to bring out the poetic in her native Russian music. The term is often overused, but if there
were ever an interpretation of the classics of the Russian cello repertoire that could serve as a
reflection of “the Russian soul”, this one would definitely be in the running.
The CD is made up of two of the great cello works of the 20th century, the sonatas of
Rachmaninoff and Prokofiev. The Rachmaninoff Sonata for Cello & Piano is one of the greatest
masterworks ever written for cello. It is immense in structure and form and requires an almost
orchestral approach to the score by the soloist. The piano part is a daunting one and Fabio Bidini
delivers with his characteristic technical prowess and collaborative chamber music skills. One can
vividly imagine the vast landscape and plaintive beauty of Russia of the score in the hands of
Kotova.
The Prokofiev Sonata for Cello and Piano is an optimistic work. It also has many of the hallmark
qualities of Prokofiev’s humor, wit and sarcasm. Being undeniably Russian, Kotova clearly
understands the subtleties of the score and how to balance Prokofiev’s paradoxical style. Many
interpreters today fail to understand the combination of humor and sarcasm in Prokofiev’s work.
Many take it as an exercise in athletic modernism, but it takes an artist like Kotova born in the
Soviet Union to understand the complexities of the emotions and influence involved.
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The CD is rounded out by two classic Tchaikovsky works, the “Meditation” and “Romance”, which
demonstrate Kotova’s solid schooling in the classic Romanticism of the 19th century. They are
delightful as played by Kotova.
What impresses one about Nina Kotova’s recording of these Russian masters is her achievement
in avoiding the romantic clichés that most musicians fall into the trap of making. Her interpretation
is at once introspective and psychologically complex without forfeiting the lushness and beauty of
these impactful scores. Perhaps one needs to be Russian to really understand the true depth of
this music with all of its Dostoevsky-like complexity beneath the glossy veneer.
Aside from the release of her new CD, Kotova has been busy with her normal concert schedule.
Next month, she will be collaborating again with Helene Grimaud, the eminent French pianist, in a
recital program in Palm Springs. She will also be touring this year again in Asia and in South
America.
Unlike many classical musicians, Nina Kotova has always pushed the boundaries by exploring new
and different collaborations. Over the years, she has collaborated with Sting, Jeremy Irons, Bobby
McFerrin and many others. This past fall, Kotova collaborated with John Malkovich on a tour
combining music and the spoken word in a fascinating collaboration that was hailed by critics and
the public alike. Her collaboration with John Malkovich will extend into 2017 with additional dates
and an expanded program.
Kotova has always been a successful and active composer. 2017 will bring her however into a new
genre, composing for film. She is collaborating with legendary producer Yoram Globus and his
new production company Rebel Way to write two film scores. Kotova is excited to be setting her
music to moving images for the first time in her career.
Always imaginative, curious and forward-thinking, Nina Kotova is the prototype of an artist that
respects tradition but also understands that the creative process must be ever evolving one that
challenges the status quo. It is refreshing today to see an artist that values artistic substance and
eschews jumping on the bandwagon of the latest fad. That is clear from her work on her new
Russian album for Warner Classics, which should have a place on anyone’s playlist.
Connect with Nina Kotova
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