Immerse yourself in the extraordinary artistry of Gregor Piatigorsky, one of the most celebrated cellists of the 20th century, with this comprehensive collection spanning over five hours. This meticulously curated album showcases Piatigorsky's virtuosity and deep musical insight, featuring a diverse range of works that highlight his technical brilliance and expressive depth.
The album begins with Piatigorsky's masterful interpretations of classic cello concertos, including Saint-Saëns' Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33, and Schumann's Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129. These performances, accompanied by renowned orchestras such as the Philadelphia Orchestra and the New York Philharmonic, demonstrate Piatigorsky's ability to convey both the technical demands and the emotional nuances of these iconic works.
In addition to these well-known pieces, the album features a variety of lesser-known works and arrangements, showcasing Piatigorsky's versatility and curiosity as a musician. From the whimsical "Carnival of the Animals" by Saint-Saëns to the dramatic "Don Quixote" by Richard Strauss, Piatigorsky's performances are marked by their clarity, precision, and deep musical understanding.
The album also includes a selection of chamber works, featuring Piatigorsky in collaboration with other legendary musicians such as Artur Schnabel and Artur Rubinstein. These intimate performances offer a glimpse into Piatigorsky's artistic sensibilities and his ability to connect with his fellow musicians.
Throughout the album, Piatigorsky's unique voice as a cellist shines through, whether he is performing a well-known concerto or a lesser-known piece. His technical prowess, combined with his deep musical insight and expressive playing, makes this collection an essential addition to any classical music lover's library.
This album is a testament to Piatigorsky's enduring legacy as a cellist and a teacher, and it offers a rare opportunity to experience the full range of his artistry. Whether you are a longtime fan of Piatigorsky's playing or a newcomer to his music, this collection is sure to captivate and inspire.
2011 West Hill Radio Archives2011 (P) West Hill Radio Archives
Tracks
Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33Camille Saint-Saëns, Gregor Piatigorsky, Philadelphia Orchestra, Alexander Hilsberg
Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129: I. Nicht zu schnellRobert Schumann, Gregor Piatigorsky, New York Philharmonic, Fritz Reiner
Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129: II. LangsamRobert Schumann, Gregor Piatigorsky, New York Philharmonic, Fritz Reiner
Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129: III. Sehr lebhaftRobert Schumann, Gregor Piatigorsky, New York Philharmonic, Fritz Reiner
Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: I. Adagio - ModeratoEdward Elgar, Gregor Piatigorsky, New York Philharmonic, Sir John Barbirolli
Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: II. Lento - Allegro moltoEdward Elgar, Gregor Piatigorsky, New York Philharmonic, Sir John Barbirolli
Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: III. AdagioEdward Elgar, Gregor Piatigorsky, New York Philharmonic, Sir John Barbirolli
Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85: IV. Allegro - Moderato - Allegro ma non troppoEdward Elgar, Gregor Piatigorsky, New York Philharmonic, Sir John Barbirolli
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: IntroductionRichard Strauss, Gregor Piatigorsky, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Alfred Wallenstein
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Theme. MassigRichard Strauss, Gregor Piatigorsky, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Alfred Wallenstein
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Variation 1: Das Abenteur mit den Windmuhlen -Richard Strauss, Gregor Piatigorsky, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Alfred Wallenstein
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Variation 2: Der Kampf gegen die Hammelherde -Richard Strauss, Gregor Piatigorsky, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Alfred Wallenstein
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Variation 3: Gesprache zwischen Ritter und Knappe -Richard Strauss, Gregor Piatigorsky, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Alfred Wallenstein
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Variation 4: Das Abenteur mit der Prozession von Bussern -Richard Strauss, Gregor Piatigorsky, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Alfred Wallenstein
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Variation 5: Don Quixotes Wacht in der Sommernacht -Richard Strauss, Gregor Piatigorsky, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Alfred Wallenstein
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Variation 6: Die verzauberte Dulzinea -Richard Strauss, Gregor Piatigorsky, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Alfred Wallenstein
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Variation 7: Der Ritt durch die Luft -Richard Strauss, Gregor Piatigorsky, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Alfred Wallenstein
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Variation 8: Die Fahrt auf dem verzauberten Nachen (Barcarolle) -Richard Strauss, Gregor Piatigorsky, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Alfred Wallenstein
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Variation 9: Der Kampf gegen die vermeintlichen Zauberer: Der Angriff auf die Monche -Richard Strauss, Gregor Piatigorsky, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Alfred Wallenstein
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Variation 10: Zweikampf mit dem Ritter vom blanken Monde; Heimkehr des geschlagenen Don Quixote -Richard Strauss, Gregor Piatigorsky, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Alfred Wallenstein
Don Quixote, Op. 35, TrV 184: Finale. Don Quixotes TodRichard Strauss, Gregor Piatigorsky, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Alfred Wallenstein
SchelomoErnest Bloch, Gregor Piatigorsky, Los Angeles Philharmonic, Alfred Wallenstein
Cello Concerto: I. Massig schnellPaul Hindemith, Gregor Piatigorsky, The C.B.S. Symphony Orchestra
Cello Concerto: II. Ruhig bewegt - Sehr lebhaft - Im fruheren langsamen ZeitmassPaul Hindemith, Gregor Piatigorsky, The C.B.S. Symphony Orchestra
Cello Concerto: III. Marsch: Lebhaft - Trio (nach einem alten marsch) - LebhafterPaul Hindemith, Gregor Piatigorsky, The C.B.S. Symphony Orchestra
Variations on a Theme of PaganiniGregor Piatigorsky, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Donald Voorhees
Carnival of the Animals, R. 125: Carnival of the Animals: XIII. The SwanCamille Saint-Saëns, Gregor Piatigorsky, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Donald Voorhees
Allegro appassionato in B Minor, Op. 43Camille Saint-Saëns, Gregor Piatigorsky, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Donald Voorhees
2 Melodies, Op. 3, No. 1. Melody in F Major: 2 Melodies, Op. 3: No. 1, Melody in F Major (Arr. For cello and orchestra)Anton Rubinstein, Gregor Piatigorsky, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Donald Voorhees
Adagio - Rondo (Arr. G. Piatigorsky for cello and orchestra)Carl Maria von Weber, Gregor Piatigorsky, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Donald Voorhees
Piece en forme de habanera (Arr. For cello and orchestra)Maurice Ravel, Gregor Piatigorsky, The C.B.S. Symphony Orchestra, Andre Kostelanetz
Elegie (Arr. For voice, cello and orchestra)Jules Massenet, Jennie Tourel, Gregor Piatigorsky, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Donald Voorhees
6 Songs, Op. 4: IV. Cease Thy Singing, Maiden Fair (Arr. F. Kreisler for voice, cello and orchestra)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Jan Peerce, Gregor Piatigorsky, The C.B.S. Symphony Orchestra, Andre Kostelanetz
Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33 (Abridged Version)Camille Saint-Saëns, Gregor Piatigorsky, NBC Symphony Orchestra, Donald Voorhees
Sonata in C: I. Allegro ma non troppo (Arr. G. Piatigorsky for cello and piano)Luigi Boccherini, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Sonata in C: II. Largo assai (Arr. G. Piatigorsky for cello and piano)Luigi Boccherini, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Sonata in C: III. Rondo (Arr. G. Piatigorsky for cello and piano)Luigi Boccherini, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Sonata No. 5 in F Major, Op. 10, J. 103 (Arr. G. Piatigorsky for cello and piano)Carl Maria von Weber, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ivor Newton
12 Variations on "Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen", Op. 66: 12 Variations in F Major on Ein Madchen oder Weibchen from Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, Op. 66Ludwig van Beethoven, Gregor Piatigorsky, Lukas Foss
Cello Sonata No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 5 No. 2: I. Adagio sostenuto e espressivo -Ludwig van Beethoven, Gregor Piatigorsky, Artur Schnabel
Cello Sonata No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 5 No. 2: I. Allegro molto più tosto prestoLudwig van Beethoven, Gregor Piatigorsky, Artur Schnabel
Cello Sonata No. 2 in G Minor, Op. 5 No. 2: II. Rondo. AllegroLudwig van Beethoven, Gregor Piatigorsky, Artur Schnabel
Cello Sonata No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 38: I. Allegro non troppoJohannes Brahms, Gregor Piatigorsky, Arthur Rubinstein
Cello Sonata No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 38: II. Allegretto quasi menuettoJohannes Brahms, Gregor Piatigorsky, Arthur Rubinstein
Cello Sonata No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 38: III. AllegroJohannes Brahms, Gregor Piatigorsky, Arthur Rubinstein
Cello Sonata in A Minor, Op. 36: I. Allegro agitatoEdvard Grieg, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Cello Sonata in A Minor, Op. 36: II. Andante molto tranquilloEdvard Grieg, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Cello Sonata in A Minor, Op. 36: III. AllegroEdvard Grieg, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Cello Sonata in D Minor, L. 135: I. PrologueClaude Debussy, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Cello Sonata in D Minor, L. 135: II. Serenade - FinaleClaude Debussy, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Gregor Piatigorsky, born into a Jewish family in Ekaterinoslav, Ukraine, in 1903, is celebrated as one of the pre-eminent string players of the 20th century. His journey began at the tender age of seven when he picked up the cello, quickly demonstrating a prodigious talent that would define his illustrious career. Piatigorsky's warm, deeply expressive playing style was characterized by a glorious low-register sound, a great rhythmic gusto, and an unparalleled musical imagination. He was not just a virtuoso soloist but also an exceptional orchestral principal, chamber collaborator, and renowned teacher, making him an all-round cellist of the highest caliber. Piatigorsky's influence extended far beyond his performances, shaping the next generation of musicians with his core principles and dedication to the art. His legacy endures, inspiring cellists and classical music enthusiasts alike.
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