Zlata’s new CD “Im Freien” has been selected as Gramophone Editor’s choice and included in 10 Classical Albums of the month (June) on Apple Music. Here are some excerpts from the recent reviews:
“Chochieva, stylistically convincing in Schumann, here could be taken for a different pianist, so completely does she inhabit Ravel’s sound world. <…> Disc 2 begins with two of Liszt’s most technically challenging Transcendental Etudes (tone poems in all but name). Both of them leap off the page in Chochieva’s hands with fabulous left-hand articulation, tonal colouring and sheer pianistic relish. <…> Altogether a terrific programme from a greatly gifted pianist.”
– Jeremy Nicholas, Gramophone
Editor’s choice
“… Ravel’s ‘Miroirs’ ratchets the attention up a notch: fluid, shimmering, imaginative playing; a biting ‘Alborada del gracioso’, a tearful ‘Vallées des cloches’. The second CD increases the rapidity of our heart palpitations: Liszt’s ‘Feux follets’ and ‘Chasse-Neige’ are extraordinary feats of exhilarating virtuosity dominated by intelligence. Schulz-Evler’s unplayable paraphrase of ‘The Blue Danube’ explodes in a firework display of bravura and charm. An artist to discover, from the confident to the wildly exuberant.”
– Philippe Cassard, L’OBS ****
“Some simple almost enigmatic playing from Zlata Chochieva. It’s that simplicity of approach that illuminates so much here seemingly effortlessly, each scene captured with memorable precision and gentle colour.<…> Shultz-Evler’s arabesque on Strauss’ Blue Danube, played with glittering virtuosity. Its somehow not showy, even when it is; I like that.”
– Andrew McGregor, BBC 3 Record Review
You can hear ‘Im Freien’ program live in Konzerthaus Berlin, Elbphilharmonie, Town Hall New York, Wigmore hall, Sala Verdi Milan.
Photo: Uwe Arens