Haydn: Cello Concertos

Read About This Recording

Mstislav Rostropovich is one of the most multi-talented musicians alive. He is an established conductor and pianist and it just may be that, at his peak, he was the greatest cellist around. His concerts weren't performances, they were events. I once had the joy of hearing him play live and I can tell you that the rich echo of his cello remains one of the musical highlights of my life. Perhaps because he is so skilled, he seemed to have great insight into the music and drew out melodic ideas and musical intricacies I hadn't noticed before. The recording featured here is considered to be one of the Great Recordings of the 20th century and when you hear it you will understand why this performance is so incredible.

To hear Rostropovich bring out the musical inner workings of Haydn's delightful Cello Concertos is unmitigated joy. Though the music is absolutely classical in nature, Rostropovich, using his incredibly rich sound, does reveal a more romantic bent than I have heard before. Finally, the unity between soloist and orchestra is perfect, which is not surprising given that Rostropovich also serves here as the conductor of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields.

If you've never heard a truly great cello concerto recording, this is the place to begin; and if you're looking to add a truly classic recording to a collection, this is the one for you.

-Jacob Anthony

Quotes

A quite extraordinary achievement. Marvelously expressive cello playing. The orchestra gives splendid support and the sound is warm and ingratiating. -Gramophone

This deserves a place on any collector's shelf. -Gramophone

Contents

Cello Concertos Nos.: 1 in C, HobVIIb/1; 2 in D, HobVIIb/2.

Academy of St. Martin in the Fields; Mstislav Rostropovich, Cello/Director.