Celebrate the 90th birthday of the renowned Russian composer Rodion Shchedrin with this live album, recorded at the prestigious Verbier Festival. This captivating collection features a stellar lineup of musicians, including the legendary pianist Martha Argerich, the acclaimed pianist Yuja Wang, and the esteemed conductor Neeme Järvi, along with the Verbier Festival Orchestra.
The album showcases a variety of Shchedrin's works, highlighting his unique compositional style that blends traditional Russian melodies with contemporary influences. The centerpiece is the Double Concerto for Piano, Cello, and Orchestra, titled "Romantic Offering," performed live with Argerich and cellist Mischa Maisky. This piece alone is a testament to Shchedrin's mastery of orchestration and his ability to create deeply expressive music.
In addition to the double concerto, the album includes performances of "Ancient Traditional Russian Melody," "7 Pieces for Piano Four Hands 'Romantic Duets'," "Concerto for Orchestra No. 1 'Naughty Limericks'," and "7 Impromptus 'Artless Pages'." Each piece offers a glimpse into Shchedrin's versatility and his deep connection to Russian musical traditions.
Recorded live in 2022, this album captures the energy and excitement of a live performance, making it a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a longtime fan of Shchedrin's work or new to his compositions, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. The performances are vibrant and full of nuance, showcasing the talents of both the soloists and the orchestra. The album's duration of 1 hour and 36 minutes ensures that you can enjoy a substantial body of Shchedrin's work in one sitting.
Double Concerto for Piano, Cello, and Orchestra "Romantic Offering": I. Moderato quasi andantino - LiveRodion Shchedrin, Martha Argerich, Mischa Maisky, Verbier Festival Orchestra, Neeme Järvi
Double Concerto for Piano, Cello, and Orchestra "Romantic Offering": II. Allegro - LiveRodion Shchedrin, Martha Argerich, Mischa Maisky, Verbier Festival Orchestra, Neeme Järvi
Double Concerto for Piano, Cello, and Orchestra "Romantic Offering": III. Sostenuto assai - LiveRodion Shchedrin, Martha Argerich, Mischa Maisky, Verbier Festival Orchestra, Neeme Järvi
Ancient Traditional Russian Melody: I. Lento in poco rubato - LiveRodion Shchedrin, Sol Gabetta
Ancient Traditional Russian Melody: II. Allegro, ma non troppo - LiveRodion Shchedrin, Sol Gabetta
Ancient Traditional Russian Melody: III. Maestoso - LiveRodion Shchedrin, Sol Gabetta
Ancient Traditional Russian Melody: IV. Adagietto - LiveRodion Shchedrin, Sol Gabetta
Ancient Traditional Russian Melody: V. Moderato - LiveRodion Shchedrin, Sol Gabetta
7 Pieces for Piano Four Hands "Romantic Duets": No. 1, Andante cantabile - LiveRodion Shchedrin, Roland Pöntinen
7 Pieces for Piano Four Hands "Romantic Duets": No. 2, Allegro sotto voce - LiveRodion Shchedrin, Roland Pöntinen
7 Pieces for Piano Four Hands "Romantic Duets": No. 3, Maestoso con moto - LiveRodion Shchedrin, Roland Pöntinen
7 Pieces for Piano Four Hands "Romantic Duets": No. 4, Allegretto moderato, a la gypsy - LiveRodion Shchedrin, Roland Pöntinen
7 Pieces for Piano Four Hands "Romantic Duets": No. 5, Allegro, ma non troppo - LiveRodion Shchedrin, Roland Pöntinen
7 Pieces for Piano Four Hands "Romantic Duets": No. 6, Andante recitando - LiveRodion Shchedrin, Roland Pöntinen
7 Pieces for Piano Four Hands "Romantic Duets": No. 7, (Coda) Prestissimo - LiveRodion Shchedrin, Roland Pöntinen
Concerto for Orchestra No. 1 "Naughty Limericks" - LiveRodion Shchedrin, Verbier Festival Orchestra, Mikhail Pletnev
Rodion Shchedrin, born in Moscow in 1932, is a renowned Soviet and Russian composer and pianist whose musical journey began in the choirs of his hometown. Hailing from a musical family, Shchedrin's career has been marked by numerous accolades, including the USSR State Prize, the Lenin Prize, and the State Prize of the Russian Federation. Beyond his musical achievements, Shchedrin is also known for his political involvement as a former member of the Inter-regional Deputies Group and his citizenship in Lithuania and Spain. His extensive discography, including works like "Russian Piano Music" and "Old Russian Circus Music," showcases his versatility and depth as a composer. Shchedrin's legacy extends beyond his music, as he is also recognized for his marriage to the legendary Bolshoi prima ballerina Maya Plisetskaya. His compositions continue to captivate audiences, offering a rich tapestry of traditional music that reflects his unique artistic vision.
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Rodion Shchedrin
