Strauss: Don Quixote; Schumann: Cello Concerto / Rostropovich, Karajan, et al

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com essential recording
Whenever Karajan and Rostropovich teamed up, great things happened. In 1975, they recorded what many still consider the consummate Don Quixote, a richly characterized, brilliantly played account of what is probably Strauss's best tone poem. Rostropovich's command of the solo part is overwhelming, but even more impressive is the imagination he brings to the reading, in particular his identification with the poignant, crazed side of the old knight's character. The Berliners produce a veritable rainbow of orchestral color behind him, and Karajan, as usual, is firmly in control of pacing and balance. The vivid sound of this new remastering--part of EMI's "Great Recordings of the Century" series--and a generous coupling make this a disc to covet. --Ted Libbey

Tracks:

Don Quixote, Op.35: Introduction
Don Quixote, Op.35: Don Quixote - Sancho Panza
Don Quixote, Op.35: Var.I: Departure. The Adventure With The Windmills
Don Quixote, Op.35: Var. II: The Battle With The Sheep
Don Quixote, Op.35: Var. III: Sandcho's Wishes, Perculiarities Of Speech And Maxims
Don Quixote, Op.35: Var. IV: The Adventure With The Procession Of Penitents
Don Quixote, Op.35: Var. V: Domn Quixote's Vigil During The Summer Night
Don Quixote, Op.35: Var. VI: Dulcinea
Don Quixote, Op.35: Var. VII: Don Quixote's Ride Through The Air
Don Quixote, Op.35: Var. VIII: The Trip On The Enchanted Boat
Don Quixote, Op.35: Var. IX: The Attack On The Medicant Friars
Don Quixote, Op.35: Var. X: The Duel And Return Home
Don Quixote, Op.35: Epilogue: Don Quixote's Mind Clears. Death Of Don Quixote
Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op.29: I: Nicht zu schnell
Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op.29: II: Langsam
Cello Concerto In A Minor, Op.29: III: Sehr lebhaft

Amazon.com essential recording

Whenever Karajan and Rostropovich teamed up, great things happened. In 1975, they recorded what many still consider the consummate Don Quixote, a richly characterized, brilliantly played account of what is probably Strauss's best tone poem. Rostropovich's command of the solo part is overwhelming, but even more impressive is the imagination he brings to the reading, in particular his identification with the poignant, crazed side of the old knight's character. The Berliners produce a veritable rainbow of orchestral color behind him, and Karajan, as usual, is firmly in control of pacing and balance. The vivid sound of this new remastering--part of EMI's "Great Recordings of the Century" series--and a generous coupling make this a disc to covet. --Ted Libbey

Customer Reviews:

Just plain fantastic!.......2003-06-08

The recording of Strauss' Don Quixote is outstanding. Rostropovich did a wonderful job being the crazed knight and bringing the listener right into the story. Karajan does, as usual, a wonderful job keeping the Berlin Philharmonic intact. The real jewel to this CD is the Schumann Cello Concerto. The brilliant conducting my Bernstein brings out the best in Rostropovich and adds to the emotional aspect of the piece.

Buy it now!

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