Enter the world of Russia. Zoe Knighton and Amir Farid present a mix of unknown works alongside much loved classics. The recording celebrates a romanticism in composition inspired by the combination of cello and piano.
A duo that relishes playing unknown works alongside much loved classics, Zoe Knighton and Amir Farid enter the world of Russia with the launch of their their fifth CD on the MOVE label - Russian Cello.
Inspired by the combination of cello and piano, they perform works by Rachmaninov, Gretchaninoff, Prokofiev, Stravinksy and Glière in a CD celebrating a romanticism in composition.
"This CD is chockablock with luscious melody after luscious melody. These Russian composers really knew how to tear at heart strings and to make an audience sit up and listen" writes cellist Zoe Knighton "It has been a really rewarding CD to record - we are particularly proud of unearthing the Gretchaninov sonata which is a real gem."
Reviewing the concert to launch the CD on 20 April 2015, Joel Carnegie (The Age) said: "Endearing and earnest, the duo commenced the concert with the crowd pleasing Vocalise from Rachmaninoff – a performance that offered exquisite and at times surprising moments from the pair. Grechaninov's Sonata for cello and piano in E, Op.133 followed – with the contrasting and extended work allowing for jaunty dance-like sequences, floating cello lines, and vigorous melodic back and forths between cello and piano – requiring complete focus from Knighton and Farid.
"Glazunov's Elegy in G minor, Op. 44 continued the exploration of mood, with cellist and pianist presenting a collection of emotional states, in this sombre lament for a deceased person. Knighton's reflective and 'heart softening' cello lines in particular were particularly noteworthy.
"Stravinsky's Russian Maiden's Song from his comic one-act opera Mavra set Knighton and Farid the task of depicting a woman embroidering in her living room. Gliere's Album Leaf No. 5 offered the pair space to indulge the audience with some quiet contemplation, and Prokofiev's Sonata in C, Op. 119 rounded out an well-rounded evening of hallmark expat Russian fare."

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Cellists often bemoan the lack of a cello concerto by Beethoven – and rightly so, but these eight works for cello and piano are the envy of many other instruments. The complete cello sonatas and variations of Beethoven are here on this two CD set.
Beethoven had contact with a number of virtuoso cellists (Jean-Pierre and Jean-Louis Duport and Romberg to name a few). Beethoven even went so far as to offer to write a concerto for Romberg, but Romberg politely declined, saying he preferred to play his own compositions. In any case, we are grateful for these five sonatas and three sets of variations. In the late 18th century the cello was beginning to become known as a solo instrument with great expressive potential.
As a duo Zoe Knighton and Amir Farid debuted at Melbourne Recital Centre in 2009 and have since released two CDs on the Move label, performed in the ABC Sunday Live series, the Saturday Sessions (ABC), the Port Fairy Spring Music Festival and throughout regional Victoria. As well- known chamber musicians in Australia’s premiere ensembles, Knighton and Farid bring a wealth of experience and onstage rapport to their partnership and performances, and are enjoying increasing demand for their intimate and sensitive live performances.

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More than just Piazzolla, hear the tango as presented by 7 fantastic composers and performed by two of Australia's finest young musicians, Zoe Knighton (cello) and Amir Farid (piano).
This CD has been the result of a joint love of Argentine music, a love of the tango and a love of playing together. We have so enjoyed this repertoire and each time we visit these pieces, we feel more attached to them. There are some threads running through our choice of repertoire – the first being an ongoing connection between Europe (specifically Italy) and Argentina. Vincenzo Piazzolla (Astor’s father) is quoted by his son as saying that all the best tango composers come from South Italy. We also follow a geographical thread with the region in Argentina known as the Pampas. Quite often, specific places give rise to a wealth of inspiration and it seems this region has done just that.

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Mendelssohn is often regarded as a composer who lived a charmed life and therefore whose compositions lack a certain integrity or depth of expression. The gloriousness of his music, its likeability and his creativity in celebrating humanity are certainly primary reasons for his music's longevity.
Felix Mendelssohn came from a wealthy family and one that supported Felix's and indeed, his sister Fanny's creative endeavours. These two are perhaps the most famous sibling team in Western classical music.
Should one have to endure hardship in order to discover one's inventive and expressive potential? It is easy to forget that Felix died at the extremely tender age of 38 and having just outlived Mozart and Schubert, he certainly deserves his place in the musical hall of fame. (Indeed, his wedding march from 'A Midsummer's Night's Dream' will forever place him in that hall of fame as many a bride has walked down the aisle to those fateful bars.) As with all premature deaths, the question remains - "What if?"
His cello works are largely inspired by his brother, Paul, who was an amateur cellist. Imagine the family get togethers with such siblings! One can only be jealous of the flies on those walls.

Featuring cellist Zoe Knighton with pianist Amir Farid.

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