Immerse yourself in the unparalleled artistry of Mstislav Rostropovich with this meticulously curated collection, "100 Best Rostropovich." Released by Warner Classics, this six-disc set is a testament to the legendary cellist's extraordinary career and his profound impact on the world of classical music. Spanning a vast repertoire, this album features Rostropovich's masterful interpretations of works by composers such as Dvořák, Schumann, Saint-Saëns, Brahms, and many others. From the lyrical elegance of Dvořák's Cello Concerto in B Minor to the dramatic intensity of Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No. 1, each piece showcases Rostropovich's technical virtuosity and deep musical insight. The album also includes lesser-known gems and arrangements, highlighting the cellist's versatility and innovative spirit. Recorded over various sessions, this collection offers a comprehensive overview of Rostropovich's discography, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's library. With a total duration of over three hours, this album is a treasure trove of musical brilliance, capturing the essence of one of the 20th century's most celebrated musicians.
Dvorák: Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op. 104, B. 191: I. AllegroMstislav Rostropovich
Schumann: Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129: II. LangsamMstislav Rostropovich
Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33: I. Allegro non troppo -Mstislav Rostropovich
Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33: II. Allegro con moto -Mstislav Rostropovich
Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33: III. Allegro non troppoMstislav Rostropovich
Brahms: Double Concerto for Violin and Cello in A Minor, Op. 102: III. Vivace non troppoDavid Oistrakh, Mstislav Rostropovich, The Cleveland Orchestra, George Szell
Haydn: Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Hob. VIIb:1: III. Allegro moltoMstislav Rostropovich
Haydn: Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major, Hob. VIIb:2: II. Adagio (Cadenza by Rostropovich)Mstislav Rostropovich
Haydn: Cello Concerto No. 2 in D Major, Hob. VIIb:2: III. Rondo. AllegroMstislav Rostropovich
Vivaldi: Cello Concerto in D Minor, RV 406: I. Allegro non moltoMstislav Rostropovich
Vivaldi: Cello Concerto in D Minor, RV 406: II. AndanteMstislav Rostropovich
Tartini: Cello Concerto in D Major, GT 1.D34: IV. AllegroMstislav Rostropovich, Peter Howard, Christopher Brown, Layton James
Bach, CPE: Cello Concerto No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Wq. 171: III. Allegro assaiMstislav Rostropovich, Peter Howard, Christopher Brown, Layton James
Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major, Op. 107: I. AllegrettoMstislav Rostropovich, Hugh Seenan
Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major, Op. 107: IV. Finale. Allegro con motoMstislav Rostropovich, Hugh Seenan
Prokofiev: Sinfonia concertante in E Minor, Op. 125: I. AndanteMstislav Rostropovich
Bloch: Schelomo, B. 39Mstislav Rostropovich
Myaskovsky: Cello Concerto in C Minor, Op. 66: I. Lento ma non troppo - AndanteMstislav Rostropovich
Rimsky-Korsakov: Capriccio espagnol, Op. 34: I. AlboradaMstislav Rostropovich
Strauss, R: Don Quixote, Op. 35: IntroductionMstislav Rostropovich, Lazar Dvoskin
Strauss, R: Don Quixote, Op. 35: Theme. Don Quixote, Knight of the Sorrowful Countenance - Maggiore. Sancho PanzaMstislav Rostropovich, Lazar Dvoskin
Strauss, R: Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation I. Adventure at the WindmillsMstislav Rostropovich, Lazar Dvoskin
Strauss, R: Don Quixote, Op. 35: Variation II. The Victorious Struggle Against the Army of the Great Emperor AlifanfaronMstislav Rostropovich, Lazar Dvoskin
Dutilleux: Concerto pour violoncelle "Tout un monde lointain...": III. Houles. Large et ampleMstislav Rostropovich
Dutilleux: Cello Concerto, Tout un monde lointain: IV. Miroirs (Lent et extatique)Mstislav Rostropovich
Jolivet: Cello Concerto No. 2: II. AriaMstislav Rostropovich, Robert Quatrocchi, Jean Emanuelle, Micheline Lemoine, Gilbert Zanlonghi, Edmond Primetemps
Jolivet: Cello Concerto No. 2: III. AniméMstislav Rostropovich, Robert Quatrocchi, Jean Emanuelle, Micheline Lemoine, Gilbert Zanlonghi, Edmond Primetemps
Milhaud: Cello Concerto No. 1, Op. 136: I. NonchalantMstislav Rostropovich
Britten: Symphony for Cello and Orchestra, Op. 68: II. Presto inquietoMstislav Rostropovich
Mstislav Rostropovich, a titan of the classical music world, was a Russian cellist and conductor whose virtuosity and passion left an indelible mark on the musical landscape. Born in Baku, Azerbaijan, and trained at the prestigious Moscow Conservatoire, Rostropovich was not just a master of his instrument but also a beacon of inspiration for composers worldwide. He commissioned and premiered over 100 works, significantly expanding the cello repertoire and forging enduring artistic partnerships with giants like Dmitri Shostakovich, Sergei Prokofiev, and Benjamin Britten. Beyond his musical prowess, Rostropovich was a staunch advocate for human rights, using his platform to champion causes close to his heart. His teaching philosophy, which he imparted at the Moscow Conservatoire, was as much about life as it was about music, making him a mentor to countless aspiring musicians. Rostropovich's legacy as one of the finest cellists of the late 20th century continues to inspire and influence generations of musicians and music lovers alike.