SHOSTAKOVICH: CELLO CONCERTO NO. 1; MIASKOVSKY: CELLO CONCERTO; TCHAIKOVSKY: ROCOCO VARIATIONS - ROSTROPOVICH, ORMANDY, ROZHDESTVENSKY

Shostakovich (#1)

Myaskovsky Cello Concerto

Tchaikovsky: Rococo Variations

Mstislav Rostropovich
Philadelphia/Ormandy
Philharmonia/ Sargent
Leningrad/ Rozhdestvensky

(Shostakovich) ‘outstanding ‘cellist, with a poetry of expression matching an infallible technique, very well recorded … under the composer’s supervision’ (Gramophone) (Myaskovsky) ‘overwhelming sense of nostalgia and an elegiac atmosphere …

Rostropovich’s pioneering account is in a class of its own … could not be played with greater eloquence and restraint’ (Penguin Guide)

‘The soloist for whom the work was written and whose artistry has plainly exercised influence, is Mstislav Rostropovich … the ‘cello the natural voice of his unusually mature and wise musicianship’. (Tchaikovsky) ‘brilliantly performed and a winningly whimsical quality’ (Gramophone)

Shostakovich: Cello Concerto in E flat, Op.107 (27:10)
[1] I. Allegretto 6:31
[2] II. Moderato 10:36
[3] III. Andantino – Allegro 5:29
[4] IV. Allegro non troppo 4:32

Myaskovsky: Cello Concerto in C minor, Op.66 (27:57)
[5] I. Lento, ma non troppo 10:57
[6] II. Allegro vivace 17:00
Tchaikovsky: ‘Rococo’ Variations, Op.35 (18:38)
[7] Variations on a Rococo Theme 18:38