Sergei Nakariakov From Moscow With Love

Shostakovitch's influence shadows much of this disc, most obviously in the Trumpet Concerto of his friend Moissei Vainberg. It's a serious work, despite its plethora of virtuosic opportunities for the soloist. There's an emotionally charged slow movement and perky outer ones. While it's a tough workout for any trumpet virtuoso, Nakariakov, at 23, is one of the world's elite players, so this work holds no terrors for him. He sails through it with firm, lovely tonal variety, making the most of the lyrical first movement, the darker second, and the quote-filled finale. Artunian's jazzy concerto is a light appetizer to the Vainberg, and the harmless Gliere Concerto, arranged for flugelhorn, gives us an opportunity to hear that mellifluous instrument. The Vainberg is the main event and it's worth knowing, while Nakariakov's splendid playing will entrance. --Dan Davis