Experience the unparalleled artistry of Mstislav Rostropovich in this comprehensive 21-track compilation, "The Sound of Rostropovich," released by Warner Classics International. This album is a testament to Rostropovich's legendary status as one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century, featuring a diverse range of classical masterpieces performed with his signature virtuosity and depth of expression.
Spanning a duration of 2 hours and 30 minutes, the album showcases Rostropovich's extraordinary technical prowess and musical insight. From the delicate intricacies of Bach's Cello Suites to the dramatic intensity of Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No. 1, each piece is performed with a level of mastery that has captivated audiences worldwide. The album includes iconic works such as Dvořák's Cello Concerto in B Minor, Tchaikovsky's Variations on a Rococo Theme, and Brahms' Double Concerto for Violin and Cello, all of which highlight Rostropovich's ability to bring out the rich, resonant tones of the cello.
Collaborating with renowned orchestras and musicians, including the Orchestre National de France and the London Symphony Orchestra, Rostropovich delivers performances that are both technically brilliant and deeply expressive. The album also features lesser-known gems, such as Popper's "Elfentanz" and Piazzolla's "Le Grand Tango," demonstrating Rostropovich's versatility and his ability to breathe new life into a wide range of musical styles.
"The Sound of Rostropovich" is not just a collection of performances; it is a celebration of a musical legacy that continues to inspire and influence cellists and music lovers alike. Whether you are a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that showcases the full range of Rostropovich's artistic genius.
Haydn: Cello Concerto No. 1 in C Major, Hob. VIIb:1: I. Moderato (Cadenza by Britten)Joseph Haydn, Mstislav Rostropovich, Academy of St. Martin in the Fields
Vivaldi: Cello Concerto in D Minor, RV 406: III. MinuettoAntonio Vivaldi, Mstislav Rostropovich, Hugh Wolff, Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra
Dvorák: Cello Concerto in B Minor, Op. 104: II. Adagio ma non troppoAntonín Dvořák, Mstislav Rostropovich, Carlo Maria Giulini, London Philharmonic Orchestra
Schumann: Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129: III. Sehr lebhaftRobert Schumann, Mstislav Rostropovich, Leonard Bernstein, Orchestre National De France
Tchaikovsky: Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Mstislav Rostropovich, Seiji Ozawa, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Brahms: Double Concerto for Violin and Cello in A Minor, Op. 102: III. Vivace non troppoJohannes Brahms, David Oistrakh, Mstislav Rostropovich, The Cleveland Orchestra, George Szell
Prokofiev: Sinfonia concertante in E Minor, Op. 125: III. Andante con motoSergei Prokofiev, Mstislav Rostropovich, Seiji Ozawa, London Symphony Orchestra
Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-Flat Major, Op. 107: I. AllegrettoDmitri Shostakovich, Mstislav Rostropovich, Gennady Rozhdestvensky, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra
Bach, JS: Cello Suite No. 2 in D Minor, BWV 1008: IV. SarabandeJohann Sebastian Bach, Mstislav Rostropovich
Beethoven: 12 Variations on "Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen" (from Mozart's Die Zauberflöte), Op. 66Ludwig van Beethoven, Mstislav Rostropovich, Vasso Devetzi
Dvorák: From the Bohemian Forest, Op. 68: V. Silent Woods (Arr. Piatigorsky for Cello and Piano)Antonín Dvořák, Mstislav Rostropovich, Vladimir Yampolsky
Brahms: Cello Sonata No. 2 in F Major, Op. 99: IV. Allegro moltoJohannes Brahms, Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Saint-Saëns: Prière, Op. 158Camille Saint-Saëns, Mstislav Rostropovich, Herbert Tachezi
Rachmaninov: 14 Romances, Op. 34: No. 14, Vocalise (Arr. Rostropovich for Cello and Piano)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Prokofiev: The Love for Three Oranges, Op. 33b: III. March (Suite) [Arr. Rostropovich for Cello and Piano]Sergei Prokofiev, Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexei Zybtsev
Respighi: Adagio con variazioni, P. 133Ottorino Respighi, Mstislav Rostropovich, Kirill Kondrashin, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra
Piazzolla: Le Grand TangoAstor Piazzolla, Mstislav Rostropovich, Igor Uriash
Debussy / Arr Roelens: Suite bergamasque, L. 82: III. Clair de lune (Arr. Roelens for Cello and Piano)Claude Debussy, Mstislav Rostropovich, Alexander Dedyukhin
Bach, JS: Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009: V. (a) Bourrée IJohann Sebastian Bach, Mstislav Rostropovich
Bach, JS: Cello Suite No. 3 in C Major, BWV 1009: V. (b) Bourrée II - Bourrée IJohann Sebastian Bach, Mstislav Rostropovich