Channa Malkin releases album This is not a lullaby
Soprano Channa Malkin releases her second solo album today, with cellist Maya Fridman and pianist Artem Belogurov. On her new album for the audiophile label TRPTK ‘This is not a lullaby’, she highlights the immense emotional impact of becoming a mother with an unconventional choice of repertoire by Mieczyslaw Weinberg, Sir John Tavener, and her father Josef Malkin. The album is dedicated to her two-year-old son Ezra.
Channa came across Weinberg’s song cycle ‘Rocking the child’ during one of many sleepless nights with her baby, and was instantly touched by its honest, unidealized portrayal of a mother’s experience. The cycle is based on the works of Chilean poet Gabriela Mistral from her book ‘Ternura’ (Tenderness, 1924).
Josef Malkin, Channa’s father, composed his ‘Five Russian Songs’ on the colourful and haunting poems of Ilya Selvinsky, Boris Ryzhy, Vladimir Riabokon and Anna Akhmatova. Malkin, born in Tbilisi, Georgia, was a violinist in the Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra for over 25 years, and his music has been performed by top orchestras and performers across Europe and the United States.
Of all contemporary composers, Sir John Tavener is one of the most iconic. His work is steeped in a deep spirituality and has a profound impact on the listener. His haunting ‘Akhmatova Songs’ were inspired by the oeuvre of the prolific Russian poet Anna Akhmatova.
What makes this release extra special is Malkin’s collaboration with Maya Fridman, winner of the Dutch Classical Talent Prize, and the extraordinary pianist Artem Belogurov, who regularly performs in the main concert halls of Europe and the United States. The three artists: “In the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, we are excited to bring some positivity and share this story about motherhood with the world”.
Album trailer
The first reviews for This is not a lullaby
“Though the music is at times painfully dark, it is seductively beautiful. Malkin has just the right voice for this dramatic, highly emotive repertoire. Her vibrant, expressive vocals have extensive range and colour which makes this soprano the perfect storyteller. [...] This is a beautifully produced album and there is no doubt that Malkin is a soprano to watch out for when the concert halls open up again. Her supporting musicians, Maya Fridman on cello and Artem Belogurov on piano, also do her proud.”
“Channa Malkin has delivered a beautiful CD with a well thought-out and intelligent programme. Her interpretation is heartfelt, her voice sounds young and fresh. [...] Praise as well for the responsive Belogurov and the sonorous cellist Fridman, who speak the same language as the singer. The recording is flawless, has warmth and is well-spaced.”
“Malkin’s flexible, voluminous voice often rises to dizzying heights
but is particularly moving in the warm and comfortable sounding middle register. [...] in John Tavener’s ‘Akhmatova Songs’ she is at her very best as an interpreter. Furthermore, there is her dedication that audibly comes from within.”
“The programme of this recording consists of rather less known, but very interesting pieces, created during the last decades. Channa Malkin has a beautiful voice with a lyrical tone. The repertoire on this recording is extremely demanding, which makes the artist’s debut highly ambitious. Malkin performs the songs in a competent manner, making them vibrant and accessible. The album proves that she is an artist with great potential. ”
Purchase the album
The album can be purchased as a CD in luxurious packaging, including a booklet with liner notes written by the artist, or in a digital version via