Dvořák: Piano & Cello Concertos - Martin Kasík, Jiří Bárta, Czech Philharmonic Orchestra (2 CDs)

In this "Year of Czech Music" it would be difficult to offer music lovers anything more representative than two of the three instrumental concertos of Antonín Dvořák (1841-1904), and itwould be difficult to imagine more competent exponents of this music than the Czech Philharmonic and experienced Czech music specialists like Jiří Kout and Jiří Bělohlávek. The G minor Piano Concerto presents a tremendous challenge even for world-class pianists; Dvořák didn't take future performers too much into consideration as he was writing, and although this piece is strikingly beautiful, it is tremendously demanding, and every effective moment onstage must be earned a hundred times over in the practice room… Martín Kasík is a star pianist of the Czech music scene, and you will certainly be interested to hear how he handled the rigors of recording this piece live. The Violoncello Concerto is by far the most famous concert piece for cello, and Jiří Bárta has performed it countless times in public. This live recording captures his work with all its remarkable, personal nuances of interpretation. These 2 CDs (including 2 bonus videos) are a distinguished contribution to this year's celebration of the brilliant creativity of Antonín Dvořák.

CD 1
Antonín Dvořák
Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in G minor, Op. 33
1. Allegro agitato 18:36
2. Andante sostenuto 08:44
3. Finale. Allegro con fuoco 10:59
CD 2
Antonín Dvořák
Concerto for Cello and Orchestra No. 2 in B minor, Op. 104
1. Allegro 16:06
2. Adagio, ma non troppo 12:22
3. Finale. Allegro moderato 13:56