Cellist
Natalia Khoma has to her credit an enormous list of accolades, not the least of which is being a top prize winner at the
Tchaikovsky Competition. Regrettably, this recording does not sufficiently capture the immense power she commands from her instrument, nor the well-rounded sound she normally produces. Balance seems to be the primary culprit, with
Khoma's sound almost always subservient to that of the piano. The recorded sound quality of both musicians is pervasively distant and fuzzy. The intensity with which she is playing is evident but is still unable to come to the forefront in the midst of the overbearing piano. Intonation is generally solid, although there are occasions where individual notes stray sharp. What can still be easily detected is
Khoma's sense of panache and flair, particularly in the
de Falla Suite Populaire Espagnole. The
Bartók Romanian Folk Dances is highly stylized and
Khoma's intricate control over pacing and dynamics is quite enjoyable. The energized highlight of the album is saved for the end with
de Falla's Ritual Fire Dance from El Amor Brujo. It is here that
Khoma's passion and intensity truly become evident.