Herman Safonov, Helena Strogan. Grieg, Brahms, Galperin.

Classic music is one of those domains of art where borders among countries have long ago been crossed and continue dissolving every second. Norway, Germany, Russia (France) intersect on this disc due to performance mastery of Ukrainians, and once again it becomes obvious that in the space of art names of countries are only conditional labels, no more. The main thing is the music and those feelings that it is able to evoke. At least, in such cases as this one – when music is so deep and wide, expressive, strong. And it is nice that the issue here is mastery of not only composers but also of performers – the intensity of impression created depends immediately on their understanding, perceiving, interpretation. Critics call the duet Safonov-Strogan a bright phenomenon of not only Ukrainian, but also of the world scene – real creative force. We are not critics, not experts. But we, ordinary listeners, are really strongly impressed by music performed by this duet, it makes us feel and empathize. This is the feeling as if you look at a picture painted in cool tones – and suddenly you understand that it is warm, very saturated emotionally. Then the colors start creating another pattern... Actually, that is why it seems to us that this disc can become a source of significant pleasure for experienced connoisseurs as well. And that's what we wish you.