Reviews
CRITIC'S CHOICE, HIGH FIDELITY MAGAZINE--
"Every viola fancier will want this disc. Both performances are admirable in this important recording. Schotten suggests the quasi-oriental colors of Bloch and the echt-deutsch neo-classicism of Hindemith, infusing both with the glow of Slavic temperament."
STRAD MAGAZINE--
"The performances here, by a husband-and-wife team who are virtuosos in their own right, are virtually beyond reproach.... On an interpretative level, Schotten is totally at home with all three pieces and his collaboration with his pianist is impeccable."
CHRISTIAN SCIENCE MONITOR--
"Schotten makes the viola do everything."
NEW YORK TIMES--
"Every time Yizhak Schotten comes to New York, he comes up with repertory that is consistently attractive. He played with fine musicality and technical equipment. The interpretations were assertive in the best sense and expertly played."
AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE-
"It is always a pleasure to get a new recording by one of my favorite violists, and the Vaughan Williams Suite is the kind of piece no one can resist. Since recordings of it are very rare, I would suggest right away that you buy this one."
OVATION--
"An extraordinary recital by violist Yizhak Schotten."
CLEVELAND PRESS--
"Schotten played astonishingly well, with a pleasingly big tone and a veteran's sense of style."
CINCINNATI ENQUIRER--
"Yizhak Schotten produces one of the most beautiful tones ever heard from the viola."
VANCOUVER PROVINCE--
"The stunning virtuosity of Schotten stole the show. He is well-armed to carve out a significant career."
SEATTLE TIMES--
"Schotten performs with the complete mastery of his instrument that is attained by very few."
CHAMBER MUSIC QUARTERLY--
"Schotten played with affection and drama. He is a superlative artist."
FANFARE--
"As magnificent a performance of the work as I have ever heard, technically impeccable and sensitive to every nuance. Schotten is impressive, an exceptionally strong violist."
JAPAN TIMES--
"Schotten's purity of tone was excellent, and his warmth of feeling and sonority was as sensuous as could be."
SUDOST TAGESPOST, GRAZ, AUSTRIA--
"The viola virtuoso Yizhak Schotten was a brilliant soloist."
STEREO REVIEW--
"A sensitive performance, set forth with all the technical proficiency and sensitivity one could want."
AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE--
"Yizhak Schotten is a master of chamber music as well as of the viola."
HOUSTON CHRONICLE--
"The Israeli violist is very impressive in his handling of the music. His interpretations are incisive and vigorous."
CLEVELAND PLAIN DEALER--
"Schotten, who played with a beautiful tone, performed with lyricism and grace."
ST. LOUIS GLOBE-DEMOCRAT--
"Both works received beautiful performances by Yizhak Schotten."
CINCINNATI POST--
"The viola is such a gorgeous sounding instrument, especially when played by as fine a musician as Schotten."
CONSUMERS RESEARCH--
"Brilliant playing by Yizhak Schotten."
JEWISH WEEK--
"Yizhak Schotten is a superb violist with unfailing pitch, a supple bow arm and impeccable technique. To this one must add a musicianship in which the work comes first."
SYRACUSE POST-STANDARD--
"Yizhak Schotten played splendidly and gave a charming and spirited account of the music."
WHIG-STANDARD MAGAZINE (TORONTO)--
"Mr. Schotten offers a varied and rewarding program. He is an extremely expressive musician, and thus offers a very moving reading of the Britten. In the Schubert he also exhibits his technical virtuosity."
AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE--
"Schotten is dramatic, assertive and confident. It is nice to have these pieces on CD... the program is varied and interesting."
CONSUMER'S RESEARCH--
"Rare suave viola playing... gifted performer. Schotten manages the stylistic shift with ease, giving artistic and moving performances of the four compositions."
FANFARE--
"An enterprising and interesting recital from this Michigan-based artist...an extremely accomplished and sensitive musician. A splendid disc."
AMERICAN RECORD GUIDE--
"Here's a disc of considerable interest... Schotten is a neat, accurate player with an assertive but not aggressive sound. He approaches the music from the other end, with a dynamic range that extends down into pianissimo to such effect that his fortissimos are very powerful without forcing the tone. The delicacy and subtleties are beautifully handled in these performances."
FANFARE--
"Schotten plays with abandon, climbing emotional heights. This disc is highly recommended for all three 1919 works and for the marvelous unanimity of these two artists.... they have extraordinary rapport between them."
VIOLEXCHANGE--
"Yizhak Schotten's considerable artistry is fully exploited in the Britten. Elegance and style are the main attributes that come to one's mind after listening to the Schubert. He approaches it with simplicity and aplomb, resulting in a remarkably playful performance, much distinguished from the usually ponderous executions we often hear. In the Shulman, Schotten has a chance to demonstrate his interpretative versatility. This recording is a model of clever programming. It is not very often that a recording of viola music containing rare items is presented with such luxury and variety.”