Styx (with Tavener-The Myrrh-Bearer)

"The Latvians topple the mighty in music that transfixes, scalds, then consoles. It is rare for a musician featured in the current issue as our One to Watch already to be on his second Editor's Choice (albeit the first was a duets disc), but such is the pace of viola-player Maxim Rysanov's rise that it's difficult to keep up. His playing is fabulous and deeply moving in these works. Or, as our reviewer David Fanning puts it, "mind-blowing"."
(Gramophone Magazine Editor's Choice Nov 2007)

"Rysanov yields little to Bashmet in terms of intensity of expression and the capacity to sustain an atmospheric melodic line."
(BBC Music)

"Both pieces are magnificently performed by all concerned. Rysanov is a beautifully equipped musician with both impeccable technique and subtle musicality that these often exacting works call for. The Latvian choruses and orchestra commit themselves wholeheartedly in these demanding but strongly expressive scores. The present recording of Tavener's work is a first, whereas Rysanov's competes with Bashmet's. Both are marvellous musicians; but, as I mentioned earlier in this review, Rysanov's and the Latvian's reading of Styx is gripping and strongly moving. Theirs is, I think, the recording to have, if Styx is the work you are interested in. The coupling might be the deciding factor. I would not be without Gubaidulina's beautiful Viola Concerto either."
(MusicWeb Recording of the Month Nov 2007)