Immerse yourself in the masterful artistry of Gregor Piatigorsky with this exquisite collection of cello works, released in 1996 by Biddulph Recordings. This album, "Boccherini, Schumann & Others: Cello Works," showcases Piatigorsky's unparalleled skill and deep musicality, featuring a diverse range of compositions that highlight his virtuosity and expressive depth.
The album spans a rich repertoire, including works by Boccherini, Schumann, and other notable composers. Piatigorsky's renditions of the Cello Sonata in C Major by Boccherini and the Cello Sonata in D Minor by Schumann are particularly noteworthy, demonstrating his technical prowess and interpretive sensitivity. The inclusion of arrangements by Piatigorsky himself, such as the Divertimento in D Major and the Fantasiestücke by Schumann, adds a personal touch to the collection.
This album is a testament to Piatigorsky's enduring legacy as one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century. His performances are marked by a profound understanding of the music, coupled with a warm, resonant tone that brings each piece to life. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a captivating journey through some of the most beautiful and technically demanding works in the cello repertoire.
The album features a mix of well-known pieces and hidden gems, ensuring a varied and engaging listening experience. Highlights include the ethereal beauty of "The Swan" from Saint-Saëns' "The Carnival of the Animals," the lively "Tarentelle" from Tchaikovsky's "2 Duets, Op. 10," and the evocative "Vocalise-étude en forme de habanera" by Rachmaninoff. Each track is performed with Piatigorsky's signature elegance and precision, making this album a true celebration of the cello's expressive potential.
Recorded with exceptional clarity and fidelity, this album allows listeners to appreciate every nuance of Piatigorsky's playing. The 73-minute duration provides ample time to savor the depth and breadth of his artistry, making it a valuable addition to any classical music collection.
1996 Biddulph Recordings1996 Biddulph Recordings
Tracks
Cello Sonata in C Major, G. 6: I. Allegro ma non troppoLuigi Boccherini, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Cello Sonata in C Major, G. 6: II. Largo assaiLuigi Boccherini, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Cello Sonata in C Major, G. 6: III. RondoLuigi Boccherini, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Divertimento in D Major (Arr. G. Piatigorsky for Cello & Piano): I. AdagioJoseph Haydn, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Divertimento in D Major (Arr. G. Piatigorsky for Cello & Piano): II. MenuettoJoseph Haydn, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Divertimento in D Major (Arr. G. Piatigorsky for Cello & Piano): III. Allegro di moltoJoseph Haydn, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Fantasiestücke, Op. 73 (Version for Cello & Piano): No. 1, Zart und mit AusdruckRobert Schumann, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ivor Newton
Fantasiestücke, Op. 73 (Version for Cello & Piano): No. 2, Lebhaft, leichtRobert Schumann, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ivor Newton
Fantasiestücke, Op. 73 (Version for Cello & Piano): No. 3, Rasch und mit FeuerRobert Schumann, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ivor Newton
Introduction & Polonaise brillante in C Major, Op. 3, B. 41Frédéric Chopin, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
2 Duets, Op. 10: No. 2, Tarentelle (Arr. for Cello & Piano)Gabriel Fauré, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
The Carnival of the Animals, R. 125: XIII. The Swan (Version for Cello & Piano) [1]Camille Saint-Saëns, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
2 Romances, L. 79: No. 1, L'âme évaporée et souffrante (Arr. for Cello & Piano)Claude Debussy, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Vocalise-étude en forme de habanera, M. 51 (Arr. for Cello & Piano)Maurice Ravel, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
12 Danzas españolas: No. 2, Oriental (Arr. for Cello & Piano)Enrique Granados, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
10 Pieces from Romeo and Juliet, Op. 75: No. 5. Masks (Arr. G. Piatigorsky for Cello & Piano)Sergei Prokofiev, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Cello Sonata in D Minor, Op. 40: I. Allegro non troppoDmitri Shostakovich, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Cello Sonata in D Minor, Op. 40: II. AllegroDmitri Shostakovich, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Cello Sonata in D Minor, Op. 40: III. LargoDmitri Shostakovich, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Cello Sonata in D Minor, Op. 40: IV. AllegroDmitri Shostakovich, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
The Carnival of the Animals, R. 125: XIII. The Swan (Version for Cello & Piano) [2]Camille Saint-Saëns, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
2 Melodies, Op. 3: No. 1 in F Major (Arr. for Cello & Piano)Anton Rubinstein, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Gregor Piatigorsky, the Russian-born American cellist, stands as one of the most influential and charismatic figures in 20th-century classical music. Born in Ekaterinoslav (now Dnipro, Ukraine) in 1903, Piatigorsky's journey began with humble origins, playing in cafés and silent movie houses to support his family. His prodigious talent quickly propelled him to the Moscow Conservatory and later to international stardom. Piatigorsky's career spanned over four decades, during which he was renowned for his virtuosic solo performances, collaborations with legendary musicians like Jascha Heifetz and Arthur Rubinstein, and his inspiring teaching. His recordings, from Walton and Shostakovich concerti to chamber music masterpieces, remain essential listening for any classical enthusiast. Piatigorsky's legacy endures through his extensive archives at The Colburn School, which chronicle his remarkable life and contributions to the world of music.
Vinylscout
Gregor Piatigorsky
