Repin, Maisky, Lang Lang Trio Debuts & More
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Classical music’s version of Blind Faith—arguably classic rock’s first-ever “supergroup”—has been formed as a trio by Russian violinist Vadim Repin, Latvian cellist Mischa Maisky, and Chinese pianist Lang Lang. The three came together to perform the Tchaikovsky Piano Trio, Op. 50, and Rachmaninov’s Trio élégiaque in G minor. They presented the music at the Verbier Festival in July and it is to become the material for Lang Lang’s first chamber-music album, which Deutsche Grammophon had planned to release in October.
“In the studio, it was very calm and very pleasant because we had a chance to play the pieces 20 times, 30 times, as many as we wanted until we would find the same direction or, more or less, feeling for each other,” Repin says.
Whether it’s onstage or in the studio, the success of a trio hinges on communication, and for this supergroup, it is no different. “When you are constantly onstage, you have an experience that’s kind of a normal thing, and it’s all about feeling each other, being sensitive and flexible at the same time, and at times to take leadership,” Repin says. “It’s like any conversation. You learn something new, you impose things, you convince each other, you kind of try to bring the whole idea of conversation on the instrument.
“It’s a general recipe for music, to create the dialogue, to try to create the conversation, have something to say, and be able to listen as well. It’s a trio, so we’re all equals, and it’s been a wonderful time.”
In November, the members will go their separate ways. Maisky will tour Asia with his daughter, pianist Lily Maisky. Repin will cap off a quick tour of the United States with dates in San Francisco and Washington, DC, before heading to Russia and Germany. For his United States engagements, Repin will perform the Sibelius and Brahms violin concertos.
