"Everyone who heard the Shostakovich's Sonata for Viola performed by Yuri Tkanov will prove the artist's perception of the deep essence of this music and genius to bring it to listeners. He is rendering his dialog from the ridge of human maturity as carrying the heaviness of a long life time. This is the level when single shortcomings are not taken into consideration and single achievements are not wondered. The cantilena's infinite lasting, the tragic richness of sound in junction with an almost religious enlightening - altogether prove an impeccable professional background and a richest inside, without one the interpretation of Shostakovich is an absurdity." Muzikal'naya Zhizn', #1, 1993

"Yuri Tkanov is undoubtedly a phenomenon of the Russian musical classics" Gorod i Gorojane, #28, 1993

"What more could be played after the Schnittke Chamber Symphony was just concluded? When listener had partaken the author's deepest philosophical thoughts about this world? When silence is required?.. The audience would not let the musicians to leave the stage. Yet, probably, everyone understood: nothing could be played and listened any more." Severny Komsomoletz, #7, 1993

"A thrill feeling of a sensed miracle persists after the concert is over." Rabochaya Tribuna, #10, 1996