Immerse yourself in the masterful artistry of Mstislav Rostropovich with this comprehensive 3-CD collection, "50 Best Rostropovich." Released by Warner Classics on June 22, 2018, this album celebrates the legendary cellist's unparalleled contributions to the world of classical music. Spanning nearly four hours of captivating performances, this compilation features a diverse range of works that showcase Rostropovich's virtuosity and deep musical insight.
From the profound depths of Bach's Cello Suites to the romantic elegance of Tchaikovsky's Variations on a Rococo Theme, and the dramatic intensity of Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No. 1, each track is a testament to Rostropovich's extraordinary talent. The album also includes lesser-known gems and arrangements, such as Schubert's Impromptu No. 3 and Piazzolla's "Le grand tango," highlighting the cellist's versatility and innovative spirit.
Collaborating with renowned musicians like David Oistrakh and Alexander Dedyukhin, Rostropovich delivers performances that are as technically brilliant as they are emotionally resonant. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Dive into the timeless beauty of these recordings and discover why Mstislav Rostropovich is regarded as one of the greatest cellists of all time.
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
Dvorák: Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op. 104, B. 191: I. AllegroMstislav Rostropovich
Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Variation VI. AndanteMstislav Rostropovich
Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Variation VII - Coda. Allegro vivoMstislav Rostropovich
Bloch: Schelomo, B. 39Mstislav 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: 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, JS: Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: I. PréludeMstislav Rostropovich
Bach, JS: Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: III. CouranteMstislav Rostropovich
Bach, JS: Cello Suite No. 4 in E-Flat Major, BWV 1010: I. PréludeMstislav Rostropovich
Bach, JS: Cello Suite No. 4 in E-Flat Major, BWV 1010: III. CouranteMstislav Rostropovich
Bach, JS: Cello Suite No. 4 in E-Flat Major, BWV 1010: V. Bourrée IMstislav Rostropovich
Bach, JS: Cello Suite No. 5 in C Minor, BWV 1011: IV. SarabandeMstislav Rostropovich
Bach, JS: Cello Suite No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1008: I. PréludeMstislav Rostropovich
Bach, JS: Cello Suite No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1008: VI. GigueMstislav Rostropovich
Bach, JS: Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009: I. PréludeMstislav Rostropovich
Bach, JS: Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009: II. AllemandeMstislav Rostropovich
Bach, JS: Cello Suite No. 6 in D Major, BWV 1012: III. CouranteMstislav Rostropovich
Bach, JS: Concerto in D Minor, BWV 974: II. Adagio (After Marcello's Oboe Concerto)Mstislav Rostropovich, Herbert Tachezi
Bach, JS: Toccata, Adagio and Fugue in C Major, BWV 564: II. Adagio (Arr. Siloti for Cello and Organ)Mstislav Rostropovich, Herbert Tachezi
Schubert: Impromptu No. 3 in G-Flat Major, D. 899 (Arr. Heifetz & Rostropovich for Cello and Piano)Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Beethoven: 12 Variations on "Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen" (From Mozart's Die Zauberflöte), Op. 66: Thema, Variations I & IIMstislav Rostropovich, Vasso Devetzi
Brahms: Cello Sonata No. 2 in F Major, Op. 99: II. Adagio affetuosoMstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Saint-Saëns: Prière, Op. 158Mstislav Rostropovich, Herbert Tachezi
Debussy: Préludes, L. 125b, Book 1: XII. Minstrels (Arr. for Cello and Piano)Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Debussy / Arr Roelens: Suite bergamasque, L. 82: III. Clair de lune (Arr. Roelens for Cello and Piano)Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Fauré: 3 Songs, Op. 7: I. Après un rêve (Arr. Casals for Cello and Piano)Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Strauss, R: Stimmungsbilder, Op. 9: No. 2, An einsamer Quelle (Arr. for Cello and Piano)Mstislav Rostropovich, Vladimir Yampolsky
Popper: Elfentanz, Op. 39 (Recorded 1959)Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 6 in B Minor, Op. 74 "Pathétique": IV. Finale. Adagio lamentosoLondon Philharmonic Orchestra, Mstislav Rostropovich
Tchaikovsky: Symphony No. 2, Op. 17 "Little Russian": III. Scherzo. Allegro molto vivaceLondon Philharmonic Orchestra, Mstislav 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.