Immerse yourself in the masterful artistry of Mstislav Rostropovich with this exceptional compilation, "Rostropovich - Great Works," set to release on March 6, 2025. This album is a testament to Rostropovich's unparalleled virtuosity and his profound impact on the world of classical music. Spanning a diverse range of compositions, from beloved ballet suites by Tchaikovsky to intimate chamber pieces and iconic opera arias, this collection showcases the breadth and depth of Rostropovich's musical genius.
The album features iconic works such as selections from Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" and "The Nutcracker," as well as Prokofiev's "Romeo and Juliet" ballet suites, each performed with Rostropovich's signature passion and technical brilliance. The inclusion of Puccini's arias from "Tosca" highlights his versatility, while pieces like "Variations on a Rococo Theme" and "Kinderszenen" demonstrate his ability to evoke profound emotion through his playing.
Rostropovich, often hailed as one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century, was renowned for his keen musicianship and his ability to inspire composers to write new works for the cello. This album is a celebration of his legacy, featuring not just his cello performances but also his piano and conducting skills. With a career that spanned decades and earned him numerous accolades, including multiple Grammy Awards, Rostropovich's influence on the classical music world is undeniable.
"Rostropovich - Great Works" is a comprehensive collection that offers both seasoned enthusiasts and newcomers to classical music an opportunity to experience the genius of Mstislav Rostropovich. The album's duration of 1 hour and 49 minutes ensures a rich and immersive listening experience, filled with some of the most beloved and iconic pieces in the classical repertoire. Whether you are familiar with Rostropovich's work or discovering it for the first time, this album is a treasure trove of musical excellence.
Swan Lake Suite, Op. 20a: I. Scene "Swan Theme". ModeratoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
Swan Lake (Suite), Op. 20a, TH. 219: III. Danse des petits cygnesPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
Swan Lake (Suite), Op. 20a, TH. 219: V. Danse Hongroise (Czardas)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
The Sleeping Beauty (Suite), Op. 66a, TH. 234: IV. Panorama. AndantinoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
The Sleeping Beauty (Suite), Op. 66a, TH. 234: III. Pas de caractère: Puss in BootsPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
The Nutcracker (Suite), Op. 71a, TH. 35: IIa. MarchPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a: IIb. Dance of the Sugar-Plum FairyPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
The Nutcracker (Suite), Op. 71a, TH. 35: IIe. Chinese Dance (Tea)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
The Nutcracker Suite, Op. 71a (Arr. Economou for 2 Pianos): IIa. MarchPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Martha Argerich, Nicolas Economou
The Nutcracker (Suite), Op. 71a, TH. 35: IIc. Russian Dance (Trepak)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
The Nutcracker (Suite), Op. 71a, TH. 35: IIf. Dance of the Reed-Pipes (Mirlitons)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
The Nutcracker (Suite), Op. 71a, TH. 35: IId. Arabian Dance (Coffee)Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Berliner Philharmoniker, Mstislav Rostropovich
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Var. 1. Tempo della thema –Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mstislav Rostropovich, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Introduction. Moderato quasi andantePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mstislav Rostropovich, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Var. 2. Tempo della themaPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mstislav Rostropovich, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Var. 4. Andante grazioso –Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mstislav Rostropovich, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Var. 7 – Coda. Allegro vivoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mstislav Rostropovich, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Var. 6. AndantePyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mstislav Rostropovich, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33: Var. 3. Andante sostenutoPyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mstislav Rostropovich, Berliner Philharmoniker, Herbert von Karajan
Romeo and Juliet, Ballet Suite, Op. 64a, No. 2: IV. DanceSergei Prokofiev, National Symphony Orchestra Washington, Mstislav Rostropovich
Romeo and Juliet, Ballet Suite, Op. 64a, No. 2: VI. Dance of the Maids from the AntillesSergei Prokofiev, National Symphony Orchestra Washington, Mstislav Rostropovich
Romeo and Juliet, Ballet Suite, Op. 64a, No. 1: V. MasksSergei Prokofiev, National Symphony Orchestra Washington, Mstislav Rostropovich
Romeo and Juliet, Ballet Suite, Op. 64a, No. 1: II. SceneSergei Prokofiev, National Symphony Orchestra Washington, Mstislav Rostropovich
Kinderszenen, Op. 15 - Cello and Piano: TräumereiRobert Schumann, Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Tosca / Act 1: "Gente là dentro!"Giacomo Puccini, Franco Bonisolli, Antonio Zerbini, Galina Vishnevskaya, Orchestre National De France, Mstislav Rostropovich
Tosca / Act 1: "Tosca? Che non mi veda"Giacomo Puccini, Matteo Manuguerra, Galina Vishnevskaya, Guido Mazzini, Orchestre National De France, Mstislav Rostropovich
Tosca / Act 2: "Ha più forte sapore" (Scarpia, Sciarrone, Spoletta)Giacomo Puccini, Matteo Manuguerra, Domenico Versaci Medici, Mario Guggia, Orchestre National De France, Mstislav Rostropovich
Tosca / Act 2: "Ed or fra noi parliam da buoni amici"Giacomo Puccini, Matteo Manuguerra, Galina Vishnevskaya, Orchestre National De France, Mstislav Rostropovich
Tosca / Act 2: "Nel pozzo, nel giardino!" (Tosca, Scarpia, Sciarrone, Cavaradossi)Giacomo Puccini, Galina Vishnevskaya, Matteo Manuguerra, Domenico Versaci Medici, Franco Bonisolli, Orchestre National De France, Mstislav Rostropovich
Tosca / Act 3: "Presto, su! Mario!"Giacomo Puccini, Galina Vishnevskaya, Mario Guggia, Domenico Versaci Medici, Orchestre National De France, Mstislav Rostropovich, Choeur de Radio France, Jean-Paul Kreder
Tosca / Act 3: "Come è lunga l'attesta!"Giacomo Puccini, Galina Vishnevskaya, Orchestre National De France, Mstislav Rostropovich
Tosca / Act 3: "Franchigia a Floria Tosca"Giacomo Puccini, Franco Bonisolli, Galina Vishnevskaya, Orchestre National De France, Mstislav Rostropovich
Cello Sonata in G Minor, Op. 65: III. LargoFrédéric Chopin, Martha Argerich, Mstislav Rostropovich
Elfentanz, Op. 39David Popper, Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Moto perpetuo, Op. 11Niccolò Paganini, Mstislav Rostropovich, Vladimir Yampolsky
Piano Trio in G minor, H.XV No. 19: 2. Adagio, ma non troppoJoseph Haydn, Mstislav Rostropovich, Emil Gilels, Leonid Kogan
Piano Trio in G minor, H.XV No. 19: 3. PrestoJoseph Haydn, Mstislav Rostropovich, Emil Gilels, Leonid Kogan
Cello Concerto in C Major, RV 398: 1. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexandre Stein, Martin Derungs, Orchestra of the Collegium Musicum, Paul Sacher
Cello Concerto in C Major, RV 398: 2. LargoAntonio Vivaldi, Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexandre Stein, Martin Derungs, Orchestra of the Collegium Musicum, Paul Sacher
Cello Concerto in C Major, RV 398: 3. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexandre Stein, Martin Derungs, Orchestra of the Collegium Musicum, Paul Sacher
Cello Concerto in G Major, RV 413: 1. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Mstislav Rostropovich, Martin Derungs, Orchestra of the Collegium Musicum, Paul Sacher
Cello Concerto in G Major, RV 413: 3. AllegroAntonio Vivaldi, Mstislav Rostropovich, Martin Derungs, Orchestra of the Collegium Musicum, Paul Sacher
Cello Concerto in A minor, Op. 129: 2. LangsamRobert Schumann, Mstislav Rostropovich, Moscow Symphony Orchestra, Samuel Samosud
Piano Trio No. 9 in E Flat, WoO 38: 2. Scherzo (Allegro ma non troppo)Ludwig van Beethoven, Mstislav Rostropovich, Emil Gilels, Leonid Kogan
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.