The next series of playlists will highlight musicians I feel are doing interesting and important things, so each one will feature one or two artists exclusively.

This month is all about Anastasia Kobekina, one of my favorite cellists ever. She is top of mind right now, as I was lucky enough to review her new album of Bach Suites for Strings in the upcoming Jan/Feb issue. Normally I’m not drawn to listen to the Suites in my daily life; I mostly listen to jazz, and when I turn towards classical stuff, it’s quartets, or symphonies, or concerti. I don’t count score study and playing along with recordings as true listening, because my attention is split in a way it doesn’t have to be when I’m not participating. But her Bach is something new, something extraordinary. The sense of enjoyment is ever present, lingering, savoring, drifting through each note. I’ll let you read the review later, but for today, take this playlist and get to know the lovely Anastasia Kobekina.

1. She wore the same outfit for a bunch of performances, and it was a really cool outfit *
2. She plays with complete commitment
3. Her hair is incredible
4. Ideas about tone, time, articulation are refreshing
5. Collaborates with interesting people