“Harp Column Magazine”, Collector’s Corner CD Review by Darin Kelly,USA PA, September/October 2001

“Considering that the balance of violin and harp duos leave the impression of a harpist trying feverishly to cover a piano score, the A&R folks at Egan records made two briany decisions with regard to a violin and harp disc. First, they included only works written for that instrumentation, shunning the usual transcriptions. Second, they found a violin and harp duo that can flat-out play. The two young Russians Trostiansky and Verkholantseva are equally brilliant, displaying a near-perfect balance of jow-dropping technique, heartfelt expressions, and flawless ensemble. With a musical maturity that belies their years, these two make the disc’s program sound natural, unforced, and refind.

The duo’s familiarity with each other comes as no great surprise: they performed the premiere of two of the four pieces om the disc at the 1999 World Harp Congress in Prague. These two pieces, one by Ukranian composer Valeri Kikta and the other by Hungarian Thomas Rajna, are written in a way which embraces the unorthodox nature of the violin and harp ensemble, instead of attempting to obscure it. What really makes these two pieces work, however, are the dazzling performances of Trostiansky and Verkholantseva.Trostiansky’s violin acts as an extension of his voice, with flawless intonation and a rich sound that both soars and simmers when either timbre is called for. Verkholantseva plays in much the same way, with a keen sense of drama and expression. These two player’s performances are thoroughly convincing, especially on the Kikta and Rajna works they know so well.

The Kikta Sonata explores rich harmonies and varied colors but is substantive enough to satisfy the chamber music devotee.Rajna’s Suite is perhaps a bit more transparent, but its well-conceived structure and interesting, tuneful quality are more than enough to make this a fitting finisher for the disc. Both pieces are worthy additions to the repertoire. In perhaps the ultimate compliment to the purist, the strikingly natural technique displayed here-especially by harpist Verkholantseva-prompts favorable comparisons to the best violin and piano duos.

Rounding out the disc are a few chestnuts by Rossini and Saint-Saens, also well.played and roundly enjoyable. But harpists will find the most interest in the two new works, expertly composed and thrillingly performed. This isn’t just another harp record; this is chamber music at its best, with two young stars providing some serious fireworks."

(16.05.2007)