Music Web, November 2025
“…It is a most accomplished performance of the thirty-minute work, capturing the Waldmusik aspect of the piece well and not lingering on the grief as much as some other versions. The sound is nicely balanced with space around it and the three players can all be heard clearly in their parts without any smudging. […] Zemtsov and Rowland match each other’s timbre wonderfully as they play in octaves one moment and harmonise the next…”
Fanfare Magazine, Jerry Dubins
“…Zemtsov easily makes the list a round handful. From his unnamed viola, Zemtsov draws a rich, “reedy” sound which strikes a similar tonal profile to the clarinet for which they were originally written. These are thoughtful, loving, and deeply moving performances, mindful of the swan songs they are from the last three years of Brahms’s life.
While violinist Daniel Rowland has an important role to play in the Horn Trio, and does so with the ardor this much earlier work in the composer’s canon, pianist Hanna Shybayeva also deserves special mention for the tonal luster of her touch and the agility of her technique. This should make a fine addition to anyone’s collection…”
Luister Magazine, ratings 9/10
“..Both in the passionate performance of the Horn Trio and in the warm-blooded rendition of the two Viola Sonatas, everything revolves around intimacy, tonal beauty, and inspiration. But every now and then a storm breaks out, and Brahms’ turbulent temperament gives the listener goosebumps…” WENNEKE SAVENIJE
Classic Voice
“…In the first case, the switch from horn to viola softens the timbral contrast in the dialogue with the violin; in the hands of a highly elegant Daniel Rowland, in some respects even the two sonatas acquire a more canonical character.[…] Zemtsov chose, in his preliminary study, to start with the original instrument, engaging with performers and recordings specific to it in order to absorb its expressiveness…”—Paolo Locatelli
Ritmo, 5 Stars
“..Mikhail Zemtsov, a solid performer, demonstrates a broad and expressive sound, delicate yet full of presence and depth. […] His chamber music sensitivity allows for perfect dialogue with fellow performers, whether violin or piano, showing an exemplary balance between technique, expression, and musicality…” Paulino Toribio