Experience the unparalleled artistry of Mstislav Rostropovich in this comprehensive collection spanning over two and a half hours of captivating performances. This album showcases Rostropovich's extraordinary talent and versatility as a cellist, featuring a diverse range of compositions from the Baroque to the modern era.
The album opens with a cadenzaby Benjamin Britten for a concerto by Haydn, setting the stage for a journey through the centuries of classical music. Rostropovich's mastery is evident in his interpretations of works by composers such as Vivaldi, Dvorák, Schumann, Tchaikovsky, Brahms, Prokofiev, Shostakovich, and Bach. Each piece is performed with a depth of expression and technical brilliance that highlights Rostropovich's unique musical voice.
In addition to solo performances, the album includes collaborations with esteemed musicians and orchestras, such as the Orchestre National de France and the London Symphony Orchestra under the baton of Seiji Ozawa. The inclusion of lesser-known works alongside famous pieces provides a comprehensive overview of Rostropovich's repertoire and his enduring influence on the world of classical music.
This album is a testament to Rostropovich's legacy, capturing his extraordinary skill and passion for the cello. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The album was released on March 24, 2017, by Warner Classics International and includes 21 tracks that showcase the breadth and depth of Rostropovich's artistry.
Haydn: Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Hob. VIIb:1: I. Moderato (Cadenza by Britten)Joseph Haydn, Mstislav Rostropovich, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Vivaldi: Cello Concerto in D Minor, RV 406: III. MinuettoAntonio Vivaldi, Mstislav Rostropovich, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Dvorák: Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op. 104: II. Adagio ma non troppoAntonín Dvořák, Mstislav Rostropovich, Carlo Maria Giulini, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Schumann: Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129: III. Sehr lebhaftRobert Schumann, Mstislav Rostropovich, Leonard Bernstein, Orchestre National De France
Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mstislav Rostropovich, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Brahms: Double Concerto for Violin and Cello in A Minor, Op. 102: III. Vivace non troppoJohannes Brahms, David Oistrakh, Mstislav Rostropovich, The Cleveland Orchestra, George Szell
Prokofiev: Sinfonia concertante in E Minor, Op. 125: III. Andante con motoSergei Prokofiev, Mstislav Rostropovich, Seiji Ozawa, London Symphony Orchestra
Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major, Op. 107: I. AllegrettoDmitri Shostakovich, Mstislav Rostropovich, Gennady Rozhdestvensky, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra
Bach, JS: Cello Suite No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1008: IV. SarabandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Mstislav Rostropovich
Beethoven: 12 Variations on "Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen" (from Mozart's Die Zauberflöte), Op. 66Ludwig van Beethoven, Mstislav Rostropovich, Vasso Devetzi
Dvorák: From the Bohemian Forest, Op. 68: V. Silent Woods (Arr. Piatigorsky for Cello and Piano)Antonín Dvořák, Mstislav Rostropovich, Vladimir Yampolsky
Brahms: Cello Sonata No. 2 in F Major, Op. 99: IV. Allegro moltoJohannes Brahms, Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Saint-Saëns: Prière, Op. 158Camille Saint-Saëns, Mstislav Rostropovich, Herbert Tachezi
Rachmaninov: 14 Romances, Op. 34: No. 14, Vocalise (Arr. Rostropovich for Cello and Piano)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Prokofiev: The Love for Three Oranges, Op. 33b: III. March (Suite) [Arr. Rostropovich for Cello and Piano]Sergei Prokofiev, Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexei Zybtsev
Respighi: Adagio con variazioni, P. 133Ottorino Respighi, Mstislav Rostropovich, Kirill Kondrashin, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra
Piazzolla: Le Grand TangoAstor Piazzolla, Mstislav Rostropovich, Igor Uriash
Debussy / Arr Roelens: Suite bergamasque, L. 82: III. Clair de lune (Arr. Roelens for Cello and Piano)Claude Debussy, Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Bach, JS: Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009: V. (a) Bourrée IJohann Sebastian Bach, Mstislav Rostropovich
Bach, JS: Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009: V. (b) Bourrée II - Bourrée IJohann Sebastian Bach, Mstislav Rostropovich