Cellist Matt Haimovitz made his debut at age 13 with Zubin Mehta and the Israel Philharmonic, and his first recording for Deutsche Grammophon at 17 with James Levine and the Chicago Symphony.
Album & Artwork
The album title "Troika" refers to the three main composers featured: Sergei Rachmaninoff, Sergei Prokofiev, and Dmitri Shostakovich, and also to the traditional Russian three-horse sled.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in early 2016, before the significant Russian interference in world politics that was swirling at its release in late 2017.
Performer Biography
Christopher O'Riley performs piano arrangements of music by artists like Radiohead, Elliott Smith, Pink Floyd, and Nirvana alongside traditional classical repertoire.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The album explores the music of the Slavic soul, particularly works revealing the strength of the artistic voice in the face of political repression in Russia.
Instruments
Matt Haimovitz plays a Venetian cello made in 1710 by Matteo Gofriller.
Performer Biography
Pianist Christopher O'Riley is known to millions as the host of NPR's From the Top, introducing new classical music stars to nearly a million listeners weekly.
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