Immerse yourself in the extraordinary artistry of Mstislav Rostropovich with this comprehensive collection of his Warner Classics recordings. Spanning a remarkable career, this 43-disc set, including 40 CDs and 3 DVDs, showcases the virtuosity and versatility that earned Rostropovich the title "Cellist of the Century."
This extensive compilation features a vast array of works, from iconic concertos by Dvořák, Schumann, and Saint-Saëns to lesser-known gems by Caix d'Hervelois, Cassadó, and Tartini. Rostropovich's mastery of the cello is evident in every piece, whether he is performing solo, with piano accompaniment, or as part of an orchestra. The set also includes several arrangements, highlighting Rostropovich's collaborative spirit and his influence on contemporary music.
Born in 1927, Rostropovich was not just a musical prodigy but also a champion of human rights, using his platform to advocate for freedom of thought and expression. His friendships with composers like Prokofiev, Shostakovich, and Britten further enriched his repertoire, leading to premieres of works dedicated to him. This collection reflects the depth and breadth of his musical journey, from traditional repertoire to cutting-edge contemporary pieces.
The album is a testament to Rostropovich's enduring legacy, offering over three hours and fifty minutes of captivating performances. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection provides an unparalleled opportunity to experience the genius of one of the 20th century's most influential musicians. The meticulous curation and high-quality recordings ensure that every nuance of Rostropovich's playing is captured, making this set a treasure trove for any classical music lover.
Dvořák: Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op. 104, B. 191: II. Adagio ma non troppoMstislav Rostropovich
Schumann: Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129: III. Sehr lebhaftMstislav Rostropovich
Saint-Saëns: Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33: I. Allegro non troppo -Mstislav 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
Strauss, R: Don Quixote, Op. 35: Finale. Death of Don QuixoteMstislav Rostropovich, Lazar Dvoskin
Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33Mstislav Rostropovich
Prokofiev: Sinfonia concertante in E Minor, Op. 125: III. Andante con motoMstislav Rostropovich
Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major, Op. 107: I. AllegrettoMstislav Rostropovich
Dutilleux: Concerto pour violoncelle "Tout un monde lointain...": V. Hymne. AllegroMstislav Rostropovich
Bach, JS: Cello Suite No. 1 in G Major, BWV 1007: I. PréludeMstislav Rostropovich
Vivaldi: Cello Concerto in D Minor, RV 406: III. MinuettoMstislav Rostropovich
Tartini: Cello Concerto in D Major, GT 1.D34: IV. AllegroMstislav Rostropovich, Peter Howard, Christopher Brown, Layton James
Caix d'Hervelois & Längin: 7 Altfranzösische Mädchenbilder: III. La LionnoiseMstislav Rostropovich, Herbert Tachezi
Cassadó: Toccata (in the Style of Frescobaldi)Mstislav Rostropovich, Herbert Tachezi
Bach, JS: Concerto in D Minor, BWV 974: II. Adagio (After Marcello's Oboe Concerto)Mstislav Rostropovich, Herbert Tachezi
Bach, CPE: Cello Concerto No. 2 in B-Flat Major, Wq. 171: III. Allegro assaiMstislav Rostropovich, Peter Howard, Christopher Brown, Layton James
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
Beethoven: 12 Variations on "Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen" (from Mozart's Die Zauberflöte), Op. 66Mstislav Rostropovich, Vasso Devetzi
Beethoven: 12 Variations on "See the conqu'ring hero comes" (from Handel's Judas Maccabaeus), WoO 45Mstislav Rostropovich, Vasso Devetzi
Chopin: Cello Sonata in G Minor, Op. 65: IV. Finale (Allegro)Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Brahms: Cello Sonata No. 2 in F Major, Op. 99: II. Adagio affettuosoMstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Rachmaninov: 14 Romances, Op. 34: No. 14, Vocalise (Arr. Rostropovich for Cello and Piano)Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Piazzolla: Le Grand TangoMstislav Rostropovich, Igor Uriash
Falla / Arr. Piatigorsky for Cello and Piano: El amor brujo: No. 8, Danza ritual del fuegoMstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Bach, JS: Christus, der uns selig macht, BWV 747 (Arr. Kodály for Cello and Organ)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
Dvorák: From the Bohemian Forest, Op. 68: V. Silent Woods (Arr. Piatigorsky for Cello and Piano)Mstislav Rostropovich, Vladimir Yampolsky
Scriabin: 12 Études, Op. 8: No. 11 in B-Flat Minor (Arr. Piatigorsky for Cello and Piano)Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Prokofiev: The Love for Three Oranges, Op. 33b: III. March (Suite) [Arr. Rostropovich for Cello and Piano]Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexei Zybtsev
Britten: Cello Suite No. 2, Op. 80: III. Scherzo (Allegro molto)Mstislav Rostropovich
Respighi: Adagio con variazioni, P. 133Mstislav Rostropovich
Saint-Saëns: Prière, Op. 158Mstislav Rostropovich, Herbert Tachezi
Fauré: 3 Songs, Op. 7: I. Après un rêve (Arr. Casals for Cello and Piano)Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
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
Milhaud: Cello Concerto No. 1, Op. 136: III. JoyeuxMstislav Rostropovich