Harmonia Mundi /
Accompanied by the Mahler Chamber Orchestra under the direction of Teodor Currentzis, Alexander Melnikov captures this feeling admirably in the two Piano Concertos, and perhaps still more poignantly, - "with disarming sincerity and fearless directness," to quote his booklet note - alongside Isabelle Faust in the Violin Sonata Op.134.
A compelling performance in which logic and rhetoric combine with tremendous intensity. --The Guardian
The many faces of Shostakovich are mirrored in this splendid disc. His youthful high jinks are ever-present in the 1932 concerto for piano, solo trumpet and strings. The brilliant writing for trumpet is played with zest by Jeroan Bewaerts. The no less exuberant pianist is Alexander Melnikov. --The Sunday Telegraph
His playing, on its own terms, is so virtuosic and secure that you surrender to it immediately. --Bay Area Reporter
