Fittingly titled With Affection, Nina Kotova's latest album for Delos is a glorious showcase of some superlative cello works that are close to her heart. Starting with Shostakovich's Cello Sonata, a work blending classical form with simplicity and clarity, the program moves on to Debussy's evergreen Cello Sonata, which in contrast is elusive and whimsical, and Nina's inspired rendition of a rarity, Shostakovich's Adagio from The Limpid Stream. Martinu's Variations on a Slovakian Theme and Variations on a Theme of Rossini are both virtuosic and playful, showcasing his distinct rhythmic and lyrical style. The recital concludes with Chopin's Introduction and Polonaise Brillante in an arrangement that blends expressive cello lines with brilliant piano passages – played by Nina's partner on this album Fabio Bidini – creating an exuberant and captivating work.01. Nina Kotova – Cello Sonata in D Minor, Op. 40 I. Allegro non troppo02. Nina Kotova – Cello Sonata in D Minor, Op. 40 II. Allegro03. Nina Kotova – Cello Sonata in D Minor, Op. 40 III. Largo04. Nina Kotova – Cello Sonata in D Minor, Op. 40 IV. Allegro05. Nina Kotova – Cello Sonata, L. 135 I. Prologue. Lent, sostenuto e molto risoluto06. Nina Kotova – Cello Sonata, L. 135 II. Sérénade. Modérément animé07. Nina Kotova – Cello Sonata, L. 135 III. Final. Animé, léger et nerveux08. Nina Kotova – The Lipid Stream Suite, Op. 39a IV. Adagio (Arr. for Cello & Piano by Levon Atovmyan)09. Nina Kotova – Variations sur un thème Slovaque, H. 37810. Nina Kotova – Variations on a Theme of Rossini, H. 29011. Nina Kotova – Introduction & Polonaise brillante in C Major, Op. 3, B. 41 (Arr. for Cello & Piano by Pierre Fournier, Igor Gavrish &13222990066/104.28.159.215