Experience the unparalleled mastery of Mstislav Rostropovich with this extraordinary collection of great works, spanning a diverse range of classical and chamber music compositions. This album showcases the legendary cellist's virtuosity and profound musical insight, featuring iconic pieces that highlight his extraordinary talent and the depth of his repertoire.
The album opens with enchanting excerpts from Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" and "The Sleeping Beauty," followed by the beloved "Nutcracker Suite." These selections are complemented by variations on a Rococo theme, further demonstrating Rostropovich's versatility and technical brilliance. The album also includes works from "Romeo and Juliet," providing a rich tapestry of musical storytelling.
Beyond the classical staples, the album delves into lesser-known yet equally captivating pieces, such as "Kinderszenen" and "Tosca," offering a comprehensive overview of Rostropovich's artistic range. The inclusion of works by Vivaldi, Boccherini, and Tartini adds a historical dimension, showcasing Rostropovich's ability to breathe new life into timeless compositions.
Rostropovich's collaborations with composers resulted in a staggering 77 new cello concertos, 52 new works for cello and piano, and 20 for solo cello, underscoring his influence and innovation in the classical music world. This album is a testament to his enduring legacy, featuring performances that are as technically impressive as they are musically profound.
With a duration of 1 hour and 49 minutes, this collection is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts, offering a rich and varied listening experience. Whether you are a seasoned Rostropovich fan or a newcomer to his work, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Swan Lake Suite, Op. 20a: I. Scene "Swan Theme". ModeratoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
Swan Lake (Suite), Op. 20a, TH. 219: III. Danse des petits cygnesPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
Swan Lake (Suite), Op. 20a, TH. 219: V. Danse Hongroise (Czardas)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
The Sleeping Beauty (Suite), Op. 66a, TH. 234: IV. Panorama. AndantinoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
The Sleeping Beauty (Suite), Op. 66a, TH. 234: III. Pas de caractère: Puss in BootsPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
The Nutcracker (Suite), Op. 71a, TH. 35: IIa. MarchPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: IIb. Dance of the Sugar-Plum FairyPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
The Nutcracker (Suite), Op. 71a, TH. 35: IIe. Chinese Dance (Tea)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a (Arr. Economou for 2 Pianos): IIa. MarchPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Nicolas Economou
The Nutcracker (Suite), Op. 71a, TH. 35: IIc. Russian Dance (Trepak)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
The Nutcracker (Suite), Op. 71a, TH. 35: IIf. Dance of the Reed-Pipes (Mirlitons)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
The Nutcracker (Suite), Op. 71a, TH. 35: IId. Arabian Dance (Coffee)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Var. 1. Tempo della thema –Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mstislav Rostropovich, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Introduction. Moderato quasi andantePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mstislav Rostropovich, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Var. 2. Tempo della themaPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mstislav Rostropovich, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Var. 4. Andante grazioso –Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mstislav Rostropovich, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Var. 7 – Coda. Allegro vivoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mstislav Rostropovich, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Var. 6. AndantePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mstislav Rostropovich, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Var. 3. Andante sostenutoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mstislav Rostropovich, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Romeo and Juliet, Ballet Suite, Op. 64a, No. 2: IV. DanceSergei Prokofiev, National Symphony Orchestra Washington, Mstislav Rostropovich
Romeo and Juliet, Ballet Suite, Op. 64a, No. 2: VI. Dance of the Maids from the AntillesSergei Prokofiev, National Symphony Orchestra Washington, Mstislav Rostropovich
Romeo and Juliet, Ballet Suite, Op. 64a, No. 1: V. MasksSergei Prokofiev, National Symphony Orchestra Washington, Mstislav Rostropovich
Romeo and Juliet, Ballet Suite, Op. 64a, No. 1: II. SceneSergei Prokofiev, National Symphony Orchestra Washington, Mstislav Rostropovich
Kinderszenen, Op. 15 - Cello and Piano: TräumereiRobert Schumann, Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Tosca / Act 1: "Gente là dentro!"Giacomo Puccini, Franco Bonisolli, Antonio Zerbini, Galina Vishnevskaya, Orchestre National De France, Mstislav Rostropovich
Tosca / Act 1: "Tosca? Che non mi veda"Giacomo Puccini, Matteo Manuguerra, Galina Vishnevskaya, Guido Mazzini, Orchestre National De France, Mstislav Rostropovich
Tosca / Act 2: "Ha più forte sapore" (Scarpia, Sciarrone, Spoletta)Giacomo Puccini, Matteo Manuguerra, Domenico Versaci Medici, Mario Guggia, Orchestre National De France, Mstislav Rostropovich
Tosca / Act 2: "Ed or fra noi parliam da buoni amici"Giacomo Puccini, Matteo Manuguerra, Galina Vishnevskaya, Orchestre National De France, Mstislav Rostropovich
Tosca / Act 2: "Nel pozzo, nel giardino!" (Tosca, Scarpia, Sciarrone, Cavaradossi)Giacomo Puccini, Galina Vishnevskaya, Matteo Manuguerra, Domenico Versaci Medici, Franco Bonisolli, Orchestre National De France, Mstislav Rostropovich
Tosca / Act 3: "Presto, su! Mario!"Giacomo Puccini, Galina Vishnevskaya, Mario Guggia, Domenico Versaci Medici, Orchestre National De France, Mstislav Rostropovich, Choeur de Radio France, Jean-Paul Kreder
Tosca / Act 3: "Come è lunga l'attesta!"Giacomo Puccini, Galina Vishnevskaya, Orchestre National De France, Mstislav Rostropovich
Tosca / Act 3: "Franchigia a Floria Tosca"Giacomo Puccini, Franco Bonisolli, Galina Vishnevskaya, Orchestre National De France, Mstislav Rostropovich
Cello Sonata in G Minor, Op. 65: III. LargoFrédéric Chopin, Martha Argerich, Mstislav Rostropovich
Elfentanz, Op. 39David Popper, Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Moto perpetuo, Op. 11Niccolò Paganini, Mstislav Rostropovich, Vladimir Yampolsky
Piano Trio in G minor, H.XV No. 19: 2. Adagio, ma non troppoJoseph Haydn, Mstislav Rostropovich, Emil Gilels, Leonid Kogan
Piano Trio in G minor, H.XV No. 19: 3. PrestoJoseph Haydn, Mstislav Rostropovich, Emil Gilels, Leonid Kogan
Cello Concerto in C Major, RV 398: 1. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexandre Stein, Martin Derungs, Orchestra of the Collegium Musicum, Paul Sacher
Cello Concerto in C Major, RV 398: 2. LargoAntonio Vivaldi, Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexandre Stein, Martin Derungs, Orchestra of the Collegium Musicum, Paul Sacher
Cello Concerto in C Major, RV 398: 3. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexandre Stein, Martin Derungs, Orchestra of the Collegium Musicum, Paul Sacher
Cello Concerto in G Major, RV 413: 1. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Mstislav Rostropovich, Martin Derungs, Orchestra of the Collegium Musicum, Paul Sacher
Cello Concerto in G Major, RV 413: 3. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Mstislav Rostropovich, Martin Derungs, Orchestra of the Collegium Musicum, Paul Sacher
Cello Concerto in A minor, Op. 129: 2. LangsamRobert Schumann, Mstislav Rostropovich, Moscow Symphony Orchestra, Samuel Samosud
Piano Trio No. 9 in E Flat, WoO 38: 2. Scherzo (Allegro ma non troppo)Ludwig van Beethoven, Mstislav Rostropovich, Emil Gilels, Leonid Kogan