Rivista MUSICA: Tchaikovsky review

Rivista Musica

Giulia Rimonda in trio: concert review by Nicola Cattò

“The performance in Vercelli, in front of a large audience, was truly of the highest level: Giulia Rimonda has now reached full maturity, both technically and in the quality of her phrasing, and what stands out is the effortless elegance with which she interacts with her colleagues. This is thanks to a low register of soft cantabilità and a brilliant touch even in the most virtuosic moments (I am thinking of the second variation).

Ettore Pagano, whom we will see again at the ICMA gala in Düsseldorf as the winner of the Classeek Award, is already an undisputed presence in the cello world despite his young age: the softness of his sound, personality, intelligence, courage, and deep connection with the abrupt and desperate moods of this masterpiece thrilled the audience. Just one detail as proof of the quality of his performance: the salon-like yet subtly unsettling atmosphere of the sixth variation, in waltz tempo, rendered with exquisite rhythmic freedom—it was as if Onegin, Lensky, and Tatiana were about to appear.

Alongside them, Massimo Spada faced an extremely demanding challenge, as Tchaikovsky requires the pianist in this trio to combine agility and power, sudden leaps, and a rich tonal palette (a striking example being the color he found in the "martellato" of the fifth variation, almost like a music box). Spada proved to be not only a performer of excellent caliber but, even more importantly, an intelligent and sensitive chamber musician.

And the renowned modulation in the finale, the true heart of the entire Trio, reached an emotional power and naturalness with these three musicians that are rarely found, even in the extensive discography of the piece.

The great success of the evening was, therefore, only natural.”

Nicola Cattò