“Milstein is a big personality with her own very recognisable sound. This already makes her a rare breed in the violin universe. Her tone is full of nostalgia, depth and a certain fragility – reminiscent of the young Menuhin… There are no technical limitations. The sisters feel totally free to play as fast and as soft as they want. The result is breathtaking.”
*****
de Volkskrant, November 2017
“The programme of this CD alone deserves the highest acclaim. The theme is very intriguing, though it is rather the atmosphere of the “belle époque” that the Milsteins try to capture here rather than the solution to the Vinteuil riddle… violinist Maria, with her expressive tone and acute sense of line and direction, and her sister Nathalia, who supports flawlessly and with initiative from beginning to end. It is a pleasure to finally hear the Saint-Saëns Sonata given the serious attention that it deserves. It is absolutely not soggy madeleine-music, but powerful and pure nostalgia, as Swann and Proust experienced it a century ago.”
*****
Trouw, November 2017
“Maria and Nathalia Milstein confidently master all the technical challenges and are always searching for the lost melody in the spirit of these works, resulting in playing of rich and reflective tones. In the slow movements especially, Maria Milstein lets her violin breathe wonderfully so that, as Proust writes in his novel, one almost ‘has the illusion of hearing a singer.'”
Bayerische Rundfunk, November 2017
“The salon-like intimacy of the balance between the violin and the piano is totally appropriate, and the transparent detailing of the textures seems effortless, too. It’s hugely enjoyable, however much you know about Proust.”
****
The Guardian, October 2017