REVIEWSBest Piano! Album of the Week **** Since her first recording, featuring the works of Rachmaninov and Liszt, the young Russian pianist continues her way, recluse, demanding, penetrating more in the heart of the musical matter and its secrets as her mastery blooms. Her latest CD - an independent recording - proposes a significant choice of works of Scriabin (1872-1915), starting with the romantic language of the sonata n°2 (1896) to lead to the satanic Poem, the sonata n°9 (1913). It is a progression in a particular world, where Lankova, in perceptible harmony with the composer, joins the sonorous and the mystic, the form and the spirit. The play is clear, the lead is natural, the colors are infinite. Irina Lankova has a striking, powerful sound that she combines with harmonious transparency. She is absolutely impressive in the virtuosic movements. With her beading and clear technique the pianist drags the auditor into the enthusiastic parts of the music, whereas each note gets the breath which it needs. Also in the Scriabin's complex counterpoint Lankova appears particularly inventive and intelligent: each theme, each melody has a rich tone and distinctive colour which creates the necessary space between them. A beautiful CD with a vast dynamic palette! Kwadratuur / Tristan Faes / January 2, 2007 (Translated from Dutch) London Informer / Jason Goodyer / November 10, 2006  Irina Lankova made a good choice from the repertoire of Scriabin to compose a CD which shows all its diversity. Despite the complexity of this music, her playing is captivating enough to hold the attention of listener through the entire recording. Lankova fully exploits the Steinway's capabilities; her playing combines almost masculin power with exquisite feminine refinement. This is what makes this pianist so special! Klassiekcentraal /Ludwig Van Mechelen / November 1, 2006 (Translated from Dutch) Irina Lankova performed an accomplished recital where the music knew an exceptional intensity. The pianist created a distinct and delicate ambience in her personal way by giving to the music an improvised character, driven by a pure inner desire, unpredictable, new and all the more captivating. A real talent, supported by a fierce determination. La Libre Belgique / December 3, 2005 (Translated from French) Born in Russia in 1977, Irina Lankova brilliantly graduated in Moscow before coming to perfect her skills in Brussels with Professor Eugene Moguilevsky, and taking master classes with Vitaly Margulis. Blessed with a sensitive and affirmed personality, the young pianist has performed several times in Brussels, and has now recorded her first CD, revealing great qualities, with a good taste in the choice of repertoire and a complete involvement. The eloquent, colourful and dynamic sound let perceive in exceptional way the personal feelings of the interpreter, particularly in the Rachmaninov, where the music is passionate, extremely Russian, but never sugary. A beautiful temperament! La Libre Belgique / Martine D. Mergeay / March 1, 2005 (Translated from French) Bruxelles est devenue la ville d'adoption de la jeune pianiste russe. Elle y développe calmement son réve... Avec quelques récitals trés personnels, la récente sortie d'un disque, une présence assidue aux concerts - généralement «en bande», avec ses amis musiciens, russes en particulier -, la jeune Irina Lankova s'est fait repérer dans les milieux musicaux de Bruxelles. De nature, la jeune pianiste est pourtant discrète, «farouche» pourrait-on même penser si son sourire ne démentait régulièrement sa réserve; avec ses interlocuteurs - ou son public, à qui elle aime s'adresser au cours de ses récitals - elle va droit à l'essentiel, sans élever le ton, avec un esprit de synthèse et une «radicalité poétique» qui surprennent. Son français est parfaitement métrisé. to continue : http://www.lalibre.be La Libre Belgique / Martine D. Mergeay / Interview / April 12, 2005 Belle, ambitieuse et talentueuse, la jeune pianiste russe Irina Lankova a séduit le public belge. La sortie de son premier CD, dédié à Rachmaninov et Liszt, lui ouvre aujourd'hui les portes de l'Europe. Irina Lankova a les physique d'une princesse russe en exil, tout droit sortie d'un roman de Joseph Kessel. Elle en a aussi les caprices, le charme, l'ambition et une touche de mysticisme, mélange détonnant à nos yeux occidentaux qui donne ce mystère paradoxal que nous appelons « l'âme slave ». Lorsqu'elle se met au piano, ferme les yeux et se plonge dans Rachmaninov, Chopin ou Scriabine, cette jeune personne si féminine montre sa vraie personnalité : avec une énergie détonante, elle semble être rentrée dans l'arenne pour dompter son instrument. Parce que le romantisme russe est à des années-lumière de son d'arivé sentimental d'Occident : il est passionné et conquérant, mystique et violent, sensuel et extrème... Eventail / Geoffroy d'Ursel / May 2005 A CD that will not leave anyone untouched! After listening to a few bars of a Rachmaninov prelude, you will understand the deeply romantic temperament of this young pianist. Passion, dreams, nostalgia and exaltation! An universe of emotions is revealed through the fingers of Irina Lankova... Bruxelles sur la Terre / Luc Baiwir / / December 2004 |
 |