Kalin Ivanov, cellist

“The cellist Kalin Ivanov and the pianist Elena Antimova provoke furore a week ago at the famous Carnegie Hall, New York. The Bulgarian musicians manage to excite the capricious American audience. The result was sudden ovation before the end of one of the works – something very unusual for classical concert.”

- Now, Bulgaria
- Now, BULGARIA

“Kalin Ivanov is a phenomenon in the palette of the most talented musicians”

- World Panorama, Magazine
- World Panorama, Magazine

"Ivanov brings a finely differentiated array of expression to this music, with an array of offbeat effects from col legno raps to what sounds like Ivanov being called upon to whistle in the syncopated central allegro. Ivanov produced a big, rich tone, his idiomatic fruity timbre and stringent edge bringing exciting bravura to the tearaway coda." ... hushed pizzicati; Ivanov's dark, rich timbre is eminently well suited to the dirge-like expression and the personal connection is unmistakable, with an extraordinary sense of solace and hard-won transcendence at the coda, magnificently played by Ivanov and Antimova." "... Ivanov alternates bristling virtuosity and rich lyric lines in a tour de force." "Cellists looking for new recital material are strongly urged to investigate these works..."

GRAMOPHONE
- GRAMOPHONE

Sensitive Bulgarian cellist does not suffer in comparison to Piatagorsky

BARBER: Cello Sonata. Op. 6; VIVALDI: Sonata No. 5 in E Minor; SCHUMANN: Fantasiestuecke, Op. 73; BRAHMS: Cello Sonata No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 38 - Kalin Ivanov, cello/ Emily White, piano - Gega GD 285 69:27 ****:

Bulgarian cellist Kalin Ivanov, a protégé of David Soyer and Nathaniel Rosen, provides some impressive realizations of standard repertory in this Gega CD, ably and sensitively assisted by Emily White, a piano student of Sascha Gorodnitzky, among others. Ivanov sports a marvelous, rich tone, so that the romantic theme in the Barber Sonata's first movement achieves a poetic luminosity - quite touching. Comparisons with Gregor Piatagorsky follow naturally, and Ivanov does not suffer thereby. Chaste application of vibrato reveals Ivanov's refined taste, which permits the music to unfold without cloying sentimentality. Where nobility of line marks the second movement, and impassioned declamation the third. White's piano part, intensely knotty and chromatic at moments, proceeds in lucid, intelligent riffs.

Vivaldi's E Minor Sonata provides a soulful, textural contrast, alternatively plaintive and animated. Ivanov's cantilena and trills emanate a graceful fastidiousness to rhythmic and color detail. Corelli's influence remains evident in every bar. A lachrymose Largo yields to a jaunty Allegro, all forward motion, Ivanov sawing away in spirited rapture. But the real meeting of true minds occurs in the Schumann tryptich, where both Ivanov and White cast off the trappings of respectability and indulge our senses with suggestive ensemble. The shifting, vibrant colors pass all too quickly, their personal tracery and allusions woven into the fabric of their tender character. The first of the two cello sonatas of Brahms (1865) makes allusions to Bach's The Art of Fugue; and, typical of Brahms, it reveals a fierce passion constrained by classical procedures. Ivanov's singing tone is at full throttle, and he justifies his personal fondness for the art of the late Daniel Shafran, whose own, studied sound Ivanov's cello recalls. White's piano might be a bit subdued in the engineering process by Joseph Patrych, but the ardent spirit of the composer is never compromised.

--Gary Lemco - Audiophile Audition, Web Magazine for Music

“From the lowest register of the cello to the soaring heights, Kalin Ivanov is able to demonstrate real power and clarity of tone. Schumann’s Fantasiestücke receive a well crafted performance, with impassioned singing lines from Ivanov… showcasing Mr. Ivanov’s undeniably gorgeous cello tone. Mr. Ivanov is a cellist of admirable expressive capability, from whom I have no doubt we shall hear more in future.
- Leon Bosch
Classical CD Reviews, Music Web-International
- Classical CD Reviews, Music Web-International

The impressive Sonata for Cello and Piano (2003) with Kalin Ivanov and accompanist Elena Antimova is arguably the most satisfying item on Petrova's album. The Elegy has the substance and dignity (Bulgarian qualities) I missed elsewhere on this CD and the duo brings the work to its conclusion with a robust degree of fiery abandon. … recording is clean and full-bodied with splendid performances from start to finish.
- Music & Vision, UK
Daily Classical Music Magazine
- Music & Vision, UK - Daily Classical Music Magazine

“dramatic urgency and expressive tone of cellist Kalin Ivanov ”

- THE STRAD, Magazine, London/New York
- - THE STRAD, Magazine

“ one of the most celebrated cellists of his generation”
- MUSICAL OPINION, Magazine, England

“Great performance during the whole night! The soloist [K.Ivanov] and the orchestra.”
- Moscow Pravda

“Kalin Ivanov is a phenomenon in the palette of the most talented musicians”
- WORLD PANORAMA, Magazine, Bulgaria

“His deep, emotional, and poetic performing style was warmly accepted from the audience.”
- MOSCOW North, Russia

“Mr. Ivanov displayed solid, disciplined technique and a pure tone”
- NEW YORK CONCERT REVIEW, Magazine, New York

“recognized master of the cello”
- MUSIC LIFE, Magazine, Moscow

“performed by Ivanov with extraordinary perfection and refinement”
“musical details were skillfully caught and interpreted”
- NEWS-BG, New York

“extraordinary professional cellist … excellent technical skills and stylistic interpretations… his performance is undoubtedly Number 1.”
- NEDELNIK, New York
- Difrent Short Reviews