in Schatten

"Vertical lift-off" was how broadcaster NDR described Jin Jim’s rise on the German jazz scene. These words are justified, if one considers the relatively short backstory which now culminates in their ACT debut album “Weiße Schatten” (White Shadows).

Nils Mönkemeyer hat die Latte ganz schön hoch gehängt: Den Vergleich mit Johann Sebastian Bach, der seine Orchesterwerke gerne vom Pult der Bratsche leitete, sucht er gerade. Und da strahlende, konzertante Literatur für sein Instrument nicht gerade reich gesät ist (die Viola hat eben keinen Max Bruch, der ihr mal eben ein Solokonzert auf den Leib schreibt), arrangiert der in Dresden lehrende Mönkemeyer halt Bachs Kantatensätze für die Viola gleich selber.

The paths of cellist Nargiza Yusupova and pianist Polina Spirina crossed for the first time in 2016, but not, as one might expect, in the corridors of music academies – curiously enough, in a children's playground. Since then, this Munich duo has attracted attention with its brilliant and sensitive, transparent sound. They also create unique and intimate moments with their charming storytelling and poignant anecdotes from their lives. The listeners and spectators are glued to their lips, their ears follow the passionate and sensual playing of this chamber music fusion. It is the very special closeness to the selected audience, personal and approachable. Nargiza Yusupova & Polina Spirina combine their music with a direct mouthpiece to the audience. The press agrees that "the harmony of their virtuoso interplay" makes every concert an "experience of dynamic contrasts and floating sounds". They are the first and so far the only chamber music duo of its kind to bring to life rare or never before performed masterpieces such as those also part of this CD by Camillo Schumann and Alexander Borodin. Thanks to their fine chamber music artistry, outstanding commitment and unique programme selection, Duo Rubikon received funding from the Deutscher Musikrat in 2021 as part of the NEUSTART KULTUR programme "Preserving and Strengthening the Infrastructure for Culture in Germany", which brought this CD to life.