| "There are no words to describe the
dazzling technique and bravura of American cellist Stephen
Framil, as he played Dvorak's Cello Concerto. His tone, warm
and glowing, is positively brilliant. Suffice is to say, he
is the very best cellist I have ever heard perform - and I
have heard many." THE MANILA BULLETIN
(October 8, 2004) |
| "Stephen Framil's business card
should read 'Have Cello, Will Travel.' A virtual ambassador
for his instrument, this eminent concert soloist has appeared
with symphony and chamber orchestras worldwide, from India
to the Philippines, from Volgograd to Hanoi (where he was
the first American ’cellist to perform since the Vietnam
War), and from New York’s Carnegie Weill Hall to the
renowned Franz Liszt Chamber Orchestra in Hungary." SAN
FRANCISCO OLD FIRST CONCERTS
(January 15, 2006) |
| "The cellist, Stephen Framil,
. . . The French pianist, Vincent Planès, . . . . Whether
individually or in tandem, the two have considerable concert
experience to their credit and form a congenial Duo.
The first purling made an auspicious impression. Both
protagonists were admirably en rapport, attentive to balancing
and dovetailing their exchanges and articulating the virtuoso
passagework . . . . Framil was . . . very much a Starker disciple,
bowing an aristocratic line and projecting a crystalline spot-on,
pure intonation. Planès was with his partner
all the way, recognizably a pianist redolent of the admired
pianist of the Beaux Arts Trio. I especially liked the
plasticity occasionally introduced to temper the prevailing
virtuosic brilliance with necessary repose. This afternoon
installment was one to brighten a reviewer's heart."
HARRIS GOLDSMITH, NEW YORK CONCERT REVIEW |
| "Framil approached the [Bach
Suites] pieces respectfully and musically, adding just enough
flexibility to allow the music to sing out as though improvised.
That did not include exaggerations of rubato, but rather a
tasteful flow of minor phrase liberties. The opening Prelude
and closing Gigue were especially impressive in this regard.
[The two Haydn] three-movement concertos went quite
well — if not flawlessly. The Adagio of the Second Concerto
was especially memorable.
Heuwell
Tircuit, SAN FRANCISCO CLASSICAL VOICE
(January
17, 2006) |
| "American cellist Stephen Framil
rendered Dvorak's Concerto in B minor with brilliant,
luminous, robust tones of considerable flexibility for all
the three movements: allegro, adagio ma non troppo,
finale: allegro moderato. Lively and spirited in the
allegro, the eminent soloist was movingly soulful
and passionate in the adagio, his bowing gentle or
powerful. A most sensitive and lyrical artist, Framil formed
the entire interpretation with the widest variety of expression,
tension alternating with release. His cadenzas were those
of a virtuoso, his fleet fingers eliciting admiration. Interaction
between him and the orchestra conductor was marked by oneness
of mind and spirit. Indeed, the Framil performance was distinctive
and outstanding." THE PHILIPPINE STAR
(October 2, 2004) |
| "The Manila Philharmonic Orchestra
with cellist Stephen Framil gave a remarkable interpretation
of Dvorak's "Concerto in B minor op. 104 for Cello and Orchestra.
Framil's over-all interpretation of the Dvorak Concerto
was marked with great skill, expression, clarity and finesse.
His face that night was actually a reflection of all
the emotions that emanated from the music. The audience
gave Framil and the MPO a standing ovation. They deserved
it!" THE MANILA TIMES
(November 7, 2004) |
| "In the performance of Dvorak's Violoncello
Concerto in B minor, Framil's entrance was a tower of strength.
He masterfully held audience attention through his
progress between the themes. His double-stops scales
were flawless. The "Adagio, ma non troppo" second movement
was an absolute triumph for both orchestra and soloist. Framil's
interpretation in the final Allegro moderato movement was
similar to Jacqueline Du Pré's with the Chicago Symphony."
REDLANDS DAILY
FACTS (CA) |
| "What was clearly the highlight of
the evening came as the opening to the second half.
Tchaikovsky's stunning Pezzo Capriccioso was skillfully performed
by Stephen Framil. His technical sureness, coupled
with an unassuming empathy for his audience compels one to
listen carefully to each note. He exudes a warmth and
competence unusual of his age. We are certain to hear from
this young cellist in the years to come." CLINTON
DAILY ITEM (MA) |
| "Stephen Framil is an excellent
cellist. He is highly trained as an ensemble player
and is an experienced teacher on all levels. He is dedicated
to his goals and has the intelligence and cooperativeness
to be an effective member of any faculty of music." JANÓS
STARKER (Indiana University School of Music) |
| "Stephen Framil's refreshing
performance mirrored technical superiority and highly developed
soloistic qualities. His musical thoughts, flowing with
ease and spontaneity, and springing from deep within, were
readily communicative." SLOBODNA
DALMACIJA (Croatia) |
| "A former student of Janós Starker,
Framil is making a name for himself in the musical world.
The opening cello sonata allowed the talents of Framil to
be brilliantly displayed. Framil exudes a warm and
well-projected tone. Technically proficient, he can
make difficult passages seem easy indeed." THE
HERALD-ARGUS (Indiana) |
| "Stephen Framil's artistic and
virtuoso rendering of concertos by Elgar, Haydn, and Stamitz
garnered warm feelings of increased international friendship."
VIETNAMESE WRITERS ASSOCIATION |
| "It was an evening of sheer musical
fantasy as Stephen Framil played on his cello." BANGALORE
NEWS (India) |
| "Cellist Stephen Framil and
pianist Vincent Planès, . . . outstanding talents,
. . . offered an example of terrific collaboration in sonatas
by Schubert and Beethoven. Partnership playing like
this deserves to make a good impression." THE
SACRAMENTO BEE (CA) |
| "Framil performed the Saint-Saëns
Cello Concerto No. 1 with complete mastery, brilliance, and
soul." SHERYAR OOKERJEE (Bombay) |
| "Framil's Tchaikovsky Rococo
Variations displayed exceptional command of technique and
performing ability." CAPE TIMES
(South Africa) |
| "Stephen Framil is the first
American cellist to perform in Hanoi." HANOI
NATIONAL CONSERVATORY OF MUSIC (Viêt Nam) |
| "Framil's stellar performance
of Tchaikovsky's Pezzo Capriccioso was characterized by impressive
technical agility, tonal and emotional warmth, self-assurance,
and flamboyance!" WORCESTER TELEGRAM
& GAZETTE (MA) |
| "The Stamitz Cello Concerto
sparkled. Stephen Framil set the evening alive!" TIMES
OF INDIA (Bangalore) |
| "In Beethoven's 'Triple' Concerto
Framil elicits a very warm tone." THE
LAPORTE HERALD (IN) |
