Alexey Shor - Composer's Notebook, Vol. 6 (Kyiv Virtuosi)

Information

Composer: Alexey Shor

• Cello Concerto No. 2 in F Major
• Cello Concerto No. 3 in D Minor
• Humoresque
• 2 Songs for My Kids

Narek Hakhnazaryan & Dmitry Yablonsky, cellos

Kyiv Virtuosi

Sergey Smbatyan & Daniel Raiskin, conductors

Date: 2025

Label: Naxos

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This volume presents two contrasting cello concertos that illuminate both the introspective and lyrical facets of Alexey Shor’s style. Written during the Covid-19 lockdown, Concerto No. 2 combines lush orchestration and expansive melodic writing with an unusually deep vein of melancholy, marking one of the more sombre works in Shor’s catalogue. Concerto No. 3 offers a warm, lyrical voice and rich harmonic language that makes it an attractive contribution to the modern cello repertoire. The early Humoresque adds a lighter touch, blending Classical-era charm with Shor’s contemporary melodic sensibility.

Alexey Shor, born in 1970 in Ukraine, later emigrated to the United States to pursue mathematics and now resides primarily in New York. His music has been heard in many of the world’s leading concert halls, and broadcasts on major international platforms have further expanded his profile. He has received honours including an honorary professorship in Yerevan and appointment as the Yehudi Menuhin School’s first associate composer. Composer-in-residence roles with major orchestras and wide publication and recording support underscore his prominence. His works are performed by many of today’s foremost artists, reflecting a career that bridges composition and advanced mathematical training.

Kyiv Virtuosi, based in Kyiv, is recognized as one of Ukraine’s leading orchestras, uniting prize-winning young musicians with an average age of 30. Known initially for presenting Western repertoire to local audiences, the ensemble has also become a key collaborator of major contemporary composers such as Krzysztof Penderecki, Valentin Silvestrov and Myroslav Skoryk. It has worked with numerous internationally renowned soloists and conductors, earning both national and international acclaim. Under artistic and musical director Dmitry Yablonsky, Kyiv Virtuosi continues to showcase Ukrainian musical talent through frequent tours, most recently in Switzerland, France, Spain and Azerbaijan.

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