Discography

Although one might have reservations about the title, this disc is clearly conceived as a look as Bach – or, in the case of the 32 Variations, Beethoven- through a nineteenth –century prism. Whether or not we quite wish to label Beethoven as a Romantic, the performance of the Variations
Certainly justifies the inclusion of a work that surely influenced both Brahms and Schumann. In it Beethoven runs the whole gamut of pianistic techniques which figure in the larger piano works; and Marina Milic-Apostolovic dispatches each variation with ease and ardour without loosing sight of the overall structure. Much the same could be said of her performance of the Liszt transcription, where “authenticity”
Is achieved in the form of an immense Bachian- rather than Lisztian- grandeour. The quiet modesty of the famous transcription of Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring provides an effective centerpiece for this recital.

The first thing that strikes me about Marina Milic-Apostolovic’s rendition of the Bach-Busoni Chaconne is the lack of self-indulgence. There is a tendency in this work for the romantic virtuosity to undermine Bach’s original edifice, but that danger is avoided here. Busoni’s mastery pianistic colour, with his wonderful organ- like sonorities, shines through in this interpretation without the sound becoming excessively “gothic”. The Franck Prelude, Choral & Fugue, like the Beethoven work that
Opened the programme, displays an astonishing originality in its relationship to a past form. It is this aspect that our attention is drawn to in Marina Milic Apostolovic’s exemplary performance. As in Busoni, the piano alludes to the sound world of the organ and the pianist vividly conveys these different registers. Once again, the playing is first rate…”
Paul Lanfear,
EPTA PIANO JOURNAL

Discography
	*Souvenir from a Costume Concert* works by Beethoven, Chopin, Rachmaninoff, Prokofiev, Tchaikovsky… 2004. TESLART OO3 price: £ 10 order: Gill Forestier-Walker	A souvenir album with Activity Book designed to stimulate children to listen classical piano music; with clear instructions for children and parents how to listen and truly enjoy short attractive works of classic repertoire

	*Romantic Baroque* Beethoven 32 Variation in C minor Bach-Liszt Prelude and Fugue in A minor Bach-Hess Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring Bach-Busoni Chaconne in D minor Franck Prelude, Choral and Fugue in B minor Producer: Ates Orga Editor: Ken Blair TESLART OO2 price: £ 13.99 order: Gill Forestier-Walker	Strong musicality, high command of the instrument, a keen understanding of style and interpretation, evident particularly in the Bach and Franck Evgeny Timakhin, Moscow Trained in the Russian tradition, Marina Milic-Apostolovic displays a maturity of pianism comparable only with the best of modern standards” Dushan Mihalek, Director of the Israeli Music Center, Tel Aviv
Although one might have reservations about the title, this disc is clearly conceived as a look as Bach – or, in the case of the 32 Variations, Beethoven- through a nineteenth –century prism. Whether or not we quite wish to label Beethoven as a Romantic, the performance of the Variations Certainly justifies the inclusion of a work that surely influenced both Brahms and Schumann. In it Beethoven runs the whole gamut of pianistic techniques which figure in the larger piano works; and Marina Milic-Apostolovic dispatches each variation with ease and ardour without loosing sight of the overall structure. Much the same could be said of her performance of the Liszt transcription, where “authenticity” Is achieved in the form of an immense Bachian- rather than Lisztian- grandeour. The quiet modesty of the famous transcription of Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring provides an effective centerpiece for this recital. The first thing that strikes me about Marina Milic-Apostolovic’s rendition of the Bach-Busoni Chaconne is the lack of self-indulgence. There is a tendency in this work for the romantic virtuosity to undermine Bach’s original edifice, but that danger is avoided here. Busoni’s mastery pianistic colour, with his wonderful organ- like sonorities, shines through in this interpretation without the sound becoming excessively “gothic”. The Franck Prelude, Choral & Fugue, like the Beethoven work that Opened the programme, displays an astonishing originality in its relationship to a past form. It is this aspect that our attention is drawn to in Marina Milic Apostolovic’s exemplary performance. As in Busoni, the piano alludes to the sound world of the organ and the pianist vividly conveys these different registers. Once again, the playing is first rate…” Paul Lanfear, EPTA PIANO JOURNAL

	Memory of One Cruise TESLART OO1 price: £ 10 order: Gill Forestier Walker	Specially designed after a Norwegian cruise, with much music by Grieg. Matching cover and sleeve notes remind one of the unique time on the ship and the cruise.

	*Slavonic Piano* not currently available

	*Two Sonatas*not currently available