Release January 2022
https://www.etcetera-records.com/album/801/vol-vers-letoile
2022 is the anniversary year of a great Russian composer Alexander Scriabin. He believed that his music would bring about the mystical union of the spiritual and material worlds; it would become the foundation of a new world and of reborn humanity.
In “Vol vers l’étoile” I combine works from 3 main periods of his life with compositions by Boris Pasternak, best known as a poet and writer, Nobel laureate for “Doctor Zhivago” and Nicolai Medtner -great pianist and composer, leading figure in Russia in the early days of the last century.
My wish for this CD is that it might provide an insight into the special period in Russian cultural life between the two revolutions
“…The CD opens and closes with Skrjabin, and it is clear that Safonova has built up a special bond with this composer. In her approach to this elusive sound magician, she goes straight for her goal. She doesn’t have the patience or time for romantic posturing, the big picture rules in her musical universe. The technical requirements that Scriabin in particular sets are unquestionably colossal, and they are tackled by her without batting an eyelid. Her forte has a formidable impact without ever becoming tinny, and her pianissimo knows all the shades the composer asks for. We can’t catch her on wrong notes, a trademark of Sviatoslav Richter. In short, an impressive debut, in which the Steinway comes out beautifully from the speakers thanks to Daan van Aalst’s recording technique. Too bad it’s over after just over an hour…..”
Opus Klassiek April 2022
https://www.opusklassiek.nl/cd-recensies/cd-sr/srskrjabin06.htm
“To achieve great things, two things are needed: a plan and not quite enough time.” Leonard Bernstein
“The music is not in the notes, but in the silence in between” Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
“It’s easy to play any musical instrument: all you have to do is touch the right key at the right time and the instrument will play itself.” Johan Sebastian Bach
ANASTASIA SAFONOVA 