Kirill Troussov on His Exploration of The Concerto Repertoire

As part of Orchid Classics's Live series, the German violinist is gradually releasing 40 CDs featuring different violin concertos

Titled Kirill Troussov Live, violinist Kirill Troussov's newest initiative will see a collection of album releases across the next few years. In partnership with Orchid Classics, the recordings are released as streaming-only EPs. The first installment of the series saw Troussov performing Mendelssohn’s E minor Violin Concerto Op. 64 and in April, his recording of Max Bruch’s Scottish Fantasy was released.

We caught up with the violinist to learn more about the impressive endeavor!

You’ve recently started a groundbreaking project with the British recording label Orchid Classics to release a significant amount of live recordings over the coming years, covering a wide range of the violin repertoire. Can you tell us about this and how it came together?

The idea about bringing out my Live-Recordings is one I’ve had for many years, but my management team didn’t have the capacity and time for such a big project, as we work a lot on social media, YouTube, and my online-lessons platform. These projects are growing very fast and need lots of time and attention.

So I was very happy to meet Matthew Trusler from Orchid Classics, who has the perfect team and knowledge about the audio streaming and CD Market. Now, we work closely together with companies like Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, YouTube Music, and many others.

Where did the inspiration behind this very big idea come from?

After my concerts, many people from the audience have told me that they would love to have a recording of the concert they just attended. I always wanted to share my music with a wide range of audiences so that is how this idea came about!

How many recordings are you anticipating in total and how do you see the rollout of these releases?

So far, we have around 40 recordings ready for release and for now, we are bringing out a new album every month. For the next 3 years, the schedule is done☺

What’s so special for you about live recordings, as opposed to ones made in the studio?

Live recordings have always a different touch and musical flow, as these concerts are recorded live. There is just this one version of this moment and concert! Also feeling the audience in the hall and hearing the applause at the end of the concerto or recital makes the listener feel that he was part of this particular concert.

How have you managed a project of this size?  

Yes, we have mostly about four to five projects at the same time with my team and we are used to working to our limits and enjoy the feeling when everything works out as we planned.

To date, you’ve released Mendelssohn, Scottish Fantasy, and most recently, Tchaikovsky. What else will be coming out this year?

The next Albums will be Violin Duos with my dear friend Julia Fischer, a Paris Recital with my sister Alexandra at the piano, Dvorak Quartet live from the Kaposvar Festival in Hungary, Mozart Violin Concertos, Astor Piazzolla Four Seasons, Schubert & Mozart Rondos and many more.

Do you have any favorites you are most excited about?

Yes, the Violin Duos recording with Julia Fischer. We had the idea of recording something since we first played together many years ago. And finally, we managed to find the right time, spot, and repertoire!

Why is discography so important to you and what are you hoping to achieve with this project?

Discography is like a personal statement, featuring special moments of music-making in magical places around the world. It is such a great feeling to be able to share these moments with my audience and music lovers from all the continents of our world.