Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Gregor Piatigorsky's early recordings with this exquisite collection, "The Early Recordings 1940 - 1945." This album, released by Sony Classical, captures the virtuosity and artistry of one of the 20th century's most celebrated cellists during his formative years in America. Piatigorsky, who emigrated to the United States in 1940, brings his unique interpretive genius to a diverse repertoire that spans the Baroque, Classical, and Romantic periods.
The album features a rich tapestry of works, including sonatas, divertimentos, and minuets by composers such as Haydn, Schubert, and Mendelssohn. Highlights include Piatigorsky's masterful renditions of pieces like "The Swan" from Saint-Saëns' "The Carnival of the Animals" and the enchanting "Romance" by Gabriel Fauré. Each track showcases Piatigorsky's technical brilliance and deep musical insight, making this collection a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts.
Recorded between 1940 and 1945, these performances offer a glimpse into Piatigorsky's early career, during which he performed with some of the most renowned musicians of the time. The album's duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes provides a comprehensive overview of his artistry, making it an essential addition to any classical music library. Whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or a newcomer to the world of cello music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
This compilation (P) 2018 Sony Music Entertainment
Tracks
Sonata for Cello and Basso Continuo in C Major, G. 6: I. Allegro ma non troppoLuigi Boccherini, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Sonata for Cello and Basso Continuo in C Major, G. 6: II. Largo assaiLuigi Boccherini, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Sonata for Cello and Basso Continuo in C Major, G. 6: III. Rondo - AllegroLuigi Boccherini, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Divertimento in D Major, Hob XI:95: I. AdagioJoseph Haydn, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Divertimento in D Major, Hob XI:95: II. Menuet - TrioJoseph Haydn, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Divertimento in D Major, Hob XI:95: III. Allegro di moltoJoseph Haydn, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Adagio in G Major, D. 178 - RemasteredFranz Schubert, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Three Minuets: Minuet in C-Sharp Minor, D. 600Franz Schubert, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Three Minuets: Minuet in D Major, D. 336Franz Schubert, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Three Minuets: Minuet in A Major, D. 380Franz Schubert, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Sonata No. 12 in C Major: III. Lento con espressione (Arr. for Cello) - RemasteredPietro Nardini, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Fantasiestücke, Op. 73: I. Zart und mit AusdruckRobert Schumann, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ivor Newton
Fantasiestücke, Op. 73: II. Lebhaft, leichtRobert Schumann, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ivor Newton
Fantasiestücke, Op. 73: III. Rasch und mit FeuerRobert Schumann, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ivor Newton
Introduction and Polonaise brillante in C Major, Op. 3: I. Lento - Alla polaccaFrédéric Chopin, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Introduction and Polonaise brillante in C Major, Op. 3: II. Allegro con spiritoFrédéric Chopin, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
The Carnival of the Animals, R. 125: The Swan - RemasteredCamille Saint-Saëns, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Pièce en forme de habañera, M. 51 (Arr. for Cello) - RemasteredMaurice Ravel, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Romeo and Juliet, Op. 64: The Masques (Arr. for Cello) - RemasteredSergei Prokofiev, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Spanish Dances, Op. 37, No. 2: Orientale (Arr. for Cello) - RemasteredEnrique Granados, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Romance, L. 78-79 (Arr. for Cello) - RemasteredClaude Debussy, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Tarentelle, Op. 10, No. 2 (Arr. for Cello) - RemasteredGabriel Fauré, Gregor Piatigorsky, Valentin Pavlovsky
Cello Sonatina No. 2 in A Major, KV 439b "Viennese": I. AllegroWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Cello Sonatina No. 2 in A Major, KV 439b "Viennese": II. Menuet - TrioWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Cello Sonatina No. 2 in A Major, KV 439b "Viennese": III. AdagioWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Cello Sonatina No. 2 in A Major, KV 439b "Viennese": IV. Rondo - AllegroWolfgang Amadeus Mozart, 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
