It is not clear just what the "troika" of the title refers to, but one can imagine two possibilities: the album is taking up the title of the "Troika" section from the Suite from Lieutenant Kijé by Prokofiev, the troika in question being a Russian sledge pulled by three horses, hence the name. But it could also refer to a triumvirate made up of the great Russian composers: Rachmaninov, Prokofiev and Shostakovich, each of whom is represented her by one sonata for cello and piano. But then: why not both? In any case, cellist Matt Haimovitz and his pianist companion Christopher O’Riley offer up a superb range of major works, supplemented with a few gems, some of which quite dark: the explosive version (by both artists) of a cello and piano transcription of Virgin Prayer: Put Putin Away, which won three members of the group Pussy Riot some time in labour camp for this punk blasphemy; as well as a version of the Beatles' Back in the USSR, and another number from the Russian rock star Viktor Tsoi. Haimovitz, known for his forays into less-classical territory, follows his own rule - which in no way detracts from the extraordinary musical quality of this album. © SM/Qobuz