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Mischa Maisky, cellist

Reviews

This was certainly one of the most intense and demanding performances the work has received in London for some time…In Maisky’s hands, the central movement was far more than the scherzo-like episode which it can seem. This was a true Allegro appassionato.
Royal Philharmonic, Walton Concerto

A commanding performance…one could have heard a pin drop as Maisky delivered the demanding and structurally crucial cadenza .
London Symphony, Shostakovich

Maisky’s delivery of the solo part was remarkable for its concentration, carrying power and fearless virtuosity.
Philharmonia, Elgar

Hugely impressive.
BBC Philharmonic, Hindemith

His tone is severely fine and precise, his phrasing scrupulously balanced and he speaks with a tight, brave elegance that derives from passion being exerted without waste.
In recital with Martha Argerich

No-one matches his soul-searching in Shostakovich Cello Concerto no.2, nor the vocal qualities in his performance of Schubert’s Arpeggione.
"Virtuoso cellists" (Classic CD)

Maisky’s tone is veiled and gentle, and his phrasing affectingly poetic…Maisky holds the line with great skill…The second movement is conversational and lightly pointed, with a tripping second set, and I loved the way the cello races ahead into the finale, beckoning the pianist to respond.
Brahms E minor Sonata/Pavel Gililov (Gramophone)

Maisky’s account of "The Swan" is arresting: where most cellists give it ample tone and warm expressiveness, he plays it rather slowly and very quietly indeed. It’s magical, and typical of his way of drawing more from less.
Saint-Saens (Classic CD)

How marvellously he mirrors the qualities of the voice for his voice, that of the cello, is ever present.
Schubert Lieder arr Maisky (Classic CD)

What was once big-boned and lavishly emphatic is now gentler and infinitely more witty…This is what re-recording should be all about.
Bach Solo Suites – 2nd recording on DG (Independent)