The Verbier Festival Celebrates Rodion Shchedrin At Ninety

Album Description

Celebrate the extraordinary career of Rodion Shchedrin, the most prolific Russian composer of his generation, with this live album marking his 90th birthday and 25th year as composer-in-residence at the renowned Verbier Festival. This captivating collection of 23 tracks, recorded live, showcases Shchedrin's remarkable musical journey and his deep connection with the Verbier Festival.

The album features a stellar lineup of performers, including legendary pianists Martha Argerich, Yuja Wang, and Roland Pöntinen, renowned cellists Mischa Maisky and Sol Gabetta, and esteemed conductors Neeme Järvi and Mikhail Pletnev, all accompanied by the exceptional Verbier Festival Orchestra. This ensemble of world-class musicians brings Shchedrin's compositions to life with unparalleled virtuosity and passion.

The album spans a variety of genres and styles, highlighting Shchedrin's versatility and innovation. From the intricate and evocative "Double Concerto for Piano, Cello, and Orchestra 'Romantic Offering'" to the playful and whimsical "Concerto for Orchestra No. 1 'Naughty Limericks,'" each piece offers a unique glimpse into Shchedrin's rich musical tapestry. The album also includes traditional Russian melodies and impromptus, further showcasing the composer's deep roots and artistic breadth.

Recorded live at the Verbier Festival, this album captures the energy and excitement of a live performance, providing an authentic and immersive listening experience. Whether you're a longtime fan of Shchedrin's work or a newcomer to his music, this album is a testament to his enduring legacy and the power of his compositions to inspire and captivate audiences worldwide. With a duration of 1 hour and 36 minutes, this live album is a treasure trove of musical delights that will leave you eager to explore more of Rodion Shchedrin's extraordinary body of work.

November 25, 2022

℗ 2022 Verbier Festival Gold

About Rodion Shchedrin

Rodion Konstantinovich Shchedrin, born in 1932 in Moscow, is a renowned composer and pianist whose musical journey began in the heart of a musical family. His father, a composer and music theory teacher, laid the foundation for Shchedrin's deep-rooted passion for music. Shchedrin's early works are noted for their tonal qualities and vivid, almost cinematic, illustrations. His career has been marked by numerous accolades, including the USSR State Prize in 1972, the Lenin Prize in 1984, and the State Prize of the Russian Federation in 1992. Inspired by the likes of Dmitri Shostakovich, Shchedrin has carved out his own distinctive path, becoming one of the most prominent figures to emerge from the Soviet Union's rich musical landscape. Beyond his compositions, Shchedrin is also celebrated for his virtuoso piano skills, making him a full-blooded musician in every sense. His works, spanning various genres, continue to captivate audiences worldwide.