This is truly a DUO FEAST! Both Stas Venglevski on Bayan and Misha Litvin on Mandoline (Domra) are exciting solo artists. They also have performed together so many times that they are an extremely fine duo, always working together in all aspects. There is nothing lacking in this recording, they not only react to each other but also anticipate and support with ease. Also assisting are fellow artists, Mike Britz on Bass on 3 tracks and Roza Borisova on Cello on 1 track, both of whom provide considerable musical enhancement with their efforts.
The repertoire is well-chosen and is the kind which listeners will want to hear time and time again. There is an abundance of beautiful melodies and terrific displays of technique from all. The musical interpretations are always consistent with those expected of such highly-skilled and well-educated musicians.
Stas Venglevski has premiered many new works by outstanding composers during his concert appearances and on his numerous recordings. Yehuda Yanny, whose compositions we have heard previously, is featured on this CD in his Suite for Mandolin & Accordion in 4 Movements. Although this is new music, it is new music which will be appreciated by all listeners. One will not have to hear it many times before deciding it is likeable repertoire, something which is not always the case these days.
In addition to music by Budashkin, Beethoven, Mendelssohn, Monti Bohn,and the Yannay pieces, there is one traditional piece and an original by Venglevski, who continues to write solos, duets, and ensemble pieces at an ever-increasing number. He has a prodigious talent for writing beautiful and interesting melodies at a level which many accordionists can master and perform well.
If you have the opportunity to catch either or both Stas Venglevski and Misha Litvin in a live performance, by all means do so. In the meantime, here is a chance to hear them on a CD with repertoire you will indeed enjoy many times.
You will also appreciate the sound of this recording, Tracked, Edited and Mixed at eDream Studios Inc., Mastered by Dan Gnader at cDream Mastering, Cover art by Joan Grauman with Layout by eDream Graphics, and produced by Stas Venglevski. Contact Information is: www.stasv.com where you will also find several of the Venglevski compositions in addition to his recordings.
Reviewed by Joan C.Sommers– April 14, 2013.
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