Mastercellist: Legendary Recordings 1956-1978 (2 CD)

Mastercellist: Legendary Recordings 1956-1978 (2 CD)

Mstislav Rostropovich's 75th birthday is the occasion for this two-disc set of prime recordings by the protean artist. The DvorÃ¡k Concerto with Karajan's overrefined conducting, one of the better of the cellist's five recordings of this masterpiece, is not as lively as his version with Ozawa or as idiomatic as his early recording with Talich and the Czech Philharmonic in monophonic sound. The Schumann Concerto, here with Rozhdestvensky and the Leningrad Philharmonic, is incisively Romantic, but disciplined and done with a ravishing tone, vividly recorded. It's superior to his later, indulgent version with Bernstein. The charming short pieces by Tchaikovsky and Glazunov are also irresistible for Rostropovich's gorgeous playing. Disc two partners him in solo pieces with pianist Alexander Dedyukhin, the centerpiece being Rachmaninov's Sonata, overflowing with lovely melodies played to the hilt by the cellist. The shorter works include transcriptions, perfect encore fare perfectly played. This set is a feast for Rostropovich's fans. --Dan Davis

Country	USA
Brand	Dolce & Gabbana
Manufacturer	Deutsche Grammophon
Binding	Audio CD
ItemPartNumber	028947162025
Model	1992393
ReleaseDate	2002-04-02
UnitCount	2
Format	Original recording remastered
UPCs	028947162025
EANs	0028947162025

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