Mahan Esfahani and Michala Petri‘s recording of Corelli’s Six Sonatas opus 5, no. 7-12 has been named Gramophone Editor’s Choice and BBC Music Magazine Chamber Choice. Transcribed for recorder and described as “fresh, communicative, joyful music-making” (BBC Radio 3 Building a Library), the disc has been called a “recording that will repay repeated listening as a masterclass in musical collaboration. It breaks new and higher ground” (Gramophone) and “the last word in tasteful and elegant musicianship, with a magical recording to boot” (International Record Review).
Originally composed for the violin, Michala Petri’s recorder playing “becomes a medium through which she conveys a more vocal interpretation of thematic material than ever a violin could”, whilst Mahan’s accompaniment “crafts the most imaginative and engaging accompaniments and repartee I have ever heard, each phrase, sections and movement a skillful and stylish response, to which he brings an astonishing range of techniques and instrumental colour” (Gramophone). Paul Riley rounds off his review by describing the disc as “beautifully paced, artfully embellished and vividly characterised” (BBC Music Magazine).
To read more reviews of this album please click here.
This is Mahan’s fourth Gramophone Editor’s Choice in less than a year - a truly remarkable achievement. His recording of CPE Bach’s Württemberg Sonatas also won the 2014 Gramophone Award in the Baroque Instrumental Recording category.
Mahan and Michala will give their UK recital premiere at Wigmore Hall on 17th February 2015. Click here for more information.
