Shostakovich: Cello Concertos

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This award-winning recording brings together Shostakovich's two fine cello concertos--the best works in this form since the Dvorák Concerto. They were both composed for and dedicated to the great Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. The First is far more popular than the Second, probably because it ends with a bang, while the finale of the Second is downright creepy (and ends quietly, the biggest no-no in music). Torleif Thedeen plays both words with total conviction, and he's given a first-class accompaniment by American conductor James DePreist. Bis's recording is also outstanding--typical for this fine label. --David Hurwitz

Shostakovich: Cello Concertos,Dmitry Shostakovich,James DePreist,Torleif Thedeen,Bis,Cello Concerto,Chamber Music & Recitals,Classical,Classical Composers,Classical Music,Concerto

Average customer rating:

Shostakovich: Complete Concertos Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Prokofiev: Complete Concertos Shostakovich: The Complete Symphonies - Mariss Jansons (10 CD) Shostakovich: The String Quartets Shostakovich: 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87 Prokofiev: 7 Symphonies; Lieutenant Kijé ASIN: B0000C6IW1 Release Date: 2004-03-09

Tracks:

1. I. Nocturne: Moderato - Viktoria Mullova
2. II. Scherzo: Allegro - Viktoria Mullova
3. Passacaglia: Andante - Viktoria Mullova
4. IV. Burlesque: Allegro Con Brio - Presto - Viktoria Mullova
5. I. Moderato - Gidon Kremer
6. II. Adagio - Gidon Kremer
7. III. Adagio - Allegro - Gidon Kremer

Tracks:

1. I. Allegretto - Heinrich Schiff
2. II. Moderato - Heinrich Schiff
3. III. Cadenza - Heinrich Schiff
4. IV. Allegro Con Moto - Heinrich Schiff
5. I. Largo - Heinrich Schiff
6. II. Allegretto - Heinrich Schiff
7. III. Allegretto - Heinrich Schiff

Tracks:

1. I. Allegretto - Peter Jablonski
2. II. Lento - Peter Jablonski
3. III. Moderato - IV. Allegro Con Brio - Peter Jablonski
4. I. Allegro - Cristina Ortiz
5. II. Andante - Cristina Ortiz
6. III. Allegro - Cristina Ortiz

Average customer rating: Superb Interpretation of Two 20th Century Masterpieces

Shostakovich: Cello Concertos 1 & 2 Manufacturer: Arte Nova Classics ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No1, Op107; Violin Concerto No1 (revised), Op99 Shostakovich: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Sonata No. 2 Martinu: Works for Violins and Orchestra Tchaikovsky: Violin Concerto Op35; Brahms: Violin Concerto in D Op77 George Enescu: Poème Roumain; Vox Maris; Voix de la Nature ASIN: B000FII2K2 Release Date: 2006-06-13

Tracks:

1. Allegretto
2. Moderato
3. Cadenza
4. Allegro Con Moto
5. Largo
6. Scherzo: Allegretto
7. Finale: Allegretto

Album Description

These central works of cello literature are interpreted here by a master - Kyrill Rodin was awarded not only First Prize, but also Gold Medal, at the 1986 Tchaikovsky Competition in Moscow. Since then, Rodin has been one of the most sought-after soloists in Russia, the former Soviet states, and many other European countries. The Russian Philharmonic Orchestra was founded by Igor Oistrakh, Yuri Temirkanov and a union of concert workers. Many famous conductors have worked with the orchestra, including Svetlanov, Rozhdestvensky, Kondrashin, Kitaenko and Fedoseyev. They have made over 100 CDs. In 1959, soon after the completion of the Symphony No. 11, Shostakovich wrote his Cello Concerto No. 1 in E-flat major Op. 107; he dedicated it to Mstislav Rostropovich, who premiered the work. The Cello Concerto No. 2 in G major Op. 126 is also dedicated to Rostropovich. The composer created it between two vocal soloist/choral symphonies while seeking rejuvenation in a sanatorium in Yalta in 1966.

Customer Reviews:

Superb Interpretation of Two 20th Century Masterpieces.......2006-07-17

I heard this 1996 recording of these two concertos after having first heard the 1984 recording by Heinrich Schiff, with the composer's son, Maxim Shostakovich, conducting.

The main difference I immediately noticed in these two performances is that Schiff's is somewhat more restrained in the Allegretto and Allegro movements. This is most noticeable in the first movement (Allegretto) of Cello Concerto No. 1, where the sound of the cello is more sharply delineated and set off from the orchestra in the Rodin recording, and there is more of a feeling of tension, and urgency, in the interpretation. This impression may also be the result of differences in recording technology and sound engineering, as much as differences in performance style. The pizzicato sections sound more clear on this recording than on the earlier recording by Schiff. On the other hand, the percussion sounds more clear and powerful on the Schiff recording.

On the whole, the Schiff interpretation is a bit more restrained, and has a very smooth finish, which is not to say that Rodin's interpretation is by any means unpolished. Both CDs have a poetic lyricism, with a feeling of dark beauty and intimacy in the slow movements (especially the first, Largo movement of Concerto No. 2) that is quite beautiful. Rodin's performance conveys a bit more of a feeling of intensity than Schiff's in the fast movements. But, in the slow movements, the Rodin CD actually has much longer timings, with the second (Moderato) movement of Concerto No. 1 at 12:57, in comparison to 11:03 for Schiff. The greatest difference in timings is in the third (Finale: Allegretto) section of Concerto No. 2, with Rodin at 21:08 compared to 15:19 for Schiff. The quality of the sound on the Rodin CD, especially on the high notes, and most noticeably in the wind and horn sections is exceptionally sharp and crystal clear on the Rodin recording. Both CDs have an excellent balance between the soloist and orchestra.

I have listened to and greatly enjoyed both CDs several times, sometimes listening to one movement of the Rodin/Krimets CD and then immediately listening to the same movement by Schiff/Shostakovich, and comparing the differences between the two CDs. At this point, I still don't have a preference. Both performances are outstanding. I give both CDs my highest recommendation and, ideally, recommend getting both and enjoying the differences in the performances. Total Playing Time on Rodin/Krimets = 71:40. Total Playing Time on Schiff/Shostakovich = 61:16.

Average customer rating: Lacking There are better... good, but falls short Passionate, intense, spontaneous-sounding DSCH incredible

Shostakovich: Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 Manufacturer: Naxos ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music CDs Under $7 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music CDs $7 - $10 | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music All Bargain Titles | Classical General | Classical | Today's Deals in Music | Formats | Music 4-for-3 Classical | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music 4-for-3 All Music | 4-for-3 Music | Stores | Music Similar Items: Shostakovich: Violin Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 Shostakovich: Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2; Sonata No. 2 Shostakovich: 24 Preludes and Fugues, Op. 87 Shostakovich: String Quartets (Complete), Vol. 2 Shostakovich: String Quartets (Complete), Vol. 5 ASIN: B0000013YS Release Date: 1996-11-05

Tracks:

1. Allegretto
2. Moderato
3. Cadenza
4. Allegro Con Moto
5. Largo
6. Allegretto
7. Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

Lacking.......2006-10-08

This was the first recording I heard when I first came to know the piece. Now, I'm a cellist and subject to my own opinions on how to play this piece...be that as it may, there are still recordings I prefer of this piece. The first would be the historic Rostropovich recording with Ormandy, an any subsequent ones he made--the other would be a new one by Korean cellist Ha Na Chang with Pappano and the LSO. Chang's recording in particular offers a chilling sound in the horn and timpani that Naxos fails to deliver on this recording, as well as superior organization, energy, and technique with the soloist.

Maria Kliegel has made better recordings with Naxos, and I encourage listeners to check them out--her Lalo concerto, while not exactly historical or big-name, is pretty good.

There are better..........2005-08-29

There are better recordings available of these concertos. Perhaps not at budget price, but Rostropovich's recording's will never be outclassed. Rostropovich experienced the pain and suffering of the soviet regime and so naturally has a better feel for them. I refer more to the second concerto than to the first.

The first concerto is well recorded, and a fine contribution from Kliegel. There are many good recordings like this though. There is a little lack in intensity and emotion. My main criticism is that the soloist is too backwardly balanced in the second movement.

The Second concerto is another matter. All the movements are taken on the sluggish side, and although Kliegel's technique is perfect, this is not enough. This music is some of the most soul-wrenching, tragic and beautiful music written in the twentieth century. It contains all of what makes Shostakovich such a great composer - pain and struggle, agony, ecstacy, irony, and beauty. It is my favourite work by Shostakovich (and i like Shostakovich ALOT!). As Rostropovich said - Although it is not as startingly virtuosic as the first concerto, its profundity is second to none. In comparison with Rostropovich with the Boston Symphony (on a double disk called 'Great Works for Cello and Orchestra' - highly recommendable in every way) Kliegel's effort pales. I am a cellist and whenever I practice this work, I find myself emotionally exhausted afterwards. To me Kliegel sounds disconnected from the work, something that makes for unexciting and dreary listening. From this recording, one would be excused for thinking it an inferior work.

For a budget disk its not bad overall - As I say, the first concerto recording is quite recommendable. Naxos have many better cello disks though, such as the Barber, Walton and Finzi concerti.

good, but falls short.......2004-12-24

I found these performances adequate, but not compelling. The intensity of these works is not immediately evident in the playing. At several points, there is some rather annoying strings-hitting-the-fingerboard noise that disrupts the music. I would recommend Rostropovich and the Philadelphia Orch (yes, the original recording) as the definitive version of No. 1, and Rostropovich and Boston for the 2nd Concerto.

Passionate, intense, spontaneous-sounding DSCH.......2002-12-07

This is one of Naxos' very best (no small feat!). I wish I knew more about Maria Kliegel. Her passion *burns* up this CD. The only better performance I've ever heard of the First Concerto is Rostropovich's own first (live) performance, in Russia, available on the EMI boxed set "The Russian Years." While Rostropovich owned that work and there's no one else I'd rather hear play it, this release benefits from better sound. And the passion isn't just about speed and virtuosity: one of the disc's highlights is the accompanying figure in the lower strings near the beginning of the First Concerto's second movement, as the cello plays the main melody (starts exactly at 1:00). They sound like they are speaking DSCH's intimate confessions. I've never heard playing quite like that in any other version. The cadenzas throughout the disc are stunning. Throughout it all everyone sounds like they are improvising this music on the spot: the same day I auditioned this I also listened to Heinrich Schiff/M. Shostakovich on Philips in the same two works. That is also a fine disc and sonically stunning (just listen to the horns on the first movement of No. 1 there!), but this recording takes first place for conviction, intensity. By comparison, Schiff & friends sound like note-readers. And the sound on this disc is just a hair below that of Philips. (This disc also has the advantage of still being in print.)

The Second Concerto, one of Shostakovich's greatest works, one of his most unique creations, pushes the cello into new realms (for the time). The Soviet body politic really must have hated this music! Listening to this work again after many years, I had the thought (probably obvious to everyone else) that it has more to do with his last string quartets than with any former cello concerto in the literature--including his own No. 1. This is bleak music, yet music that is compelling for the new way it delivers that bleakness. No one knew more shades of gray in his final years than Shostakovich. Again the musicians sound like they are composing on the spot, channeling DSCH from the grave. Words are failing me in an attempt to describe one of the best CDs in my 3,000+ collection, so I'll just say, get this disc!

It's interesting that Maria Kliegel first brought attention to herself by winning the prestigious Rostropovich Competition. She is the only cellist I've ever heard to rival and maybe even (in the G Major concerto) outdo Slava. (I'll have to put on his recording again.) And at this price, this CD is a no-brainer.

incredible.......2002-04-07

Maria Kliegel is an amazing virtuoso, whose recordings burst with a wild vitality. Her talents are perfectly suited to these Shostakovich concerti, with their dark powerful intensity and moments of absolute starkness. This is playing that far surpasses Yo-Yo Ma's performance of the piece, and in many ways, this recording rivals the great one of Rostropovich. I would disagree with the reviewer below me, who claims that "the orchestral playing is quite dull." While Antoni Wit might not be the world's foremost conductor, he coaxes out of the orchestra a powerful, driving intensity. The timpani are too close-miked and their dynamic is too loud, but I found myself liking that by the end, and I'm not convinced it wasn't engineered that way on purpose. The piccolos might also be a bit too shrill at times, but Shostakovich's orchestration almost begs for that. Between the quality and the price, this is a must-have.

Average customer rating: A Great Collection A Mixed Bag of Shostakovich Offerings

Shostakovich: Concertos; Orchestral Suites; Chamber Symphonies Manufacturer: Decca ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Dances | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Overtures | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Tone Poems | Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Cantatas | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Cantatas | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Oratorios | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music The Decca Records Store | Specialty Stores | Music Similar Items: Shostakovich: Piano Music; Chamber Works Shostakovich: Songs; Lady Macbeth of Mtsensk Shostakovich: The Symphonies Prokofiev: The Complete Symphonies Shostakovich: The String Quartets ASIN: B000FG4KBO Release Date: 2006-06-13

Tracks:

1. Waltz - Peter Masseurs
2. Polka - Peter Masseurs
3. Foxtrot - Peter Masseurs
4. I. Allegretto - Peter Masseurs
5. II. Lento - Peter Masseurs
6. III. Moderato - Peter Masseurs
7. IV. Allegro Con Brio - Peter Masseurs
8. March - Riccardo Chailly
9. Lyric Waltz - Riccardo Chailly
10. Dance 1 - Riccardo Chailly
11. Waltz 1 - Riccardo Chailly
12. Little Polka - Riccardo Chailly
13. Waltz 2 - Riccardo Chailly
14. Dance 2 - Riccardo Chailly
15. Finale - Riccardo Chailly
16. Tea For Two - Riccardo Chailly

Tracks:

1. A Spin Through Moscow - The Philadelphia Orchestra
2. Waltz - The Philadelphia Orchestra
3. Dances: Polka - Galop - The Philadelphia Orchestra
4. Ballet - The Philadelphia Orchestra
5. Introduction - The Philadelphia Orchestra
6. Polka - The Philadelphia Orchestra
7. Variations - The Philadelphia Orchestra
8. Tango - The Philadelphia Orchestra
9. Intermezzo - The Philadelphia Orchestra
10. Finale - The Philadelphia Orchestra
11. Overture - The Philadelphia Orchestra
12. The Cliff - The Philadelphia Orchestra
13. Youth (Romance) - The Philadelphia Orchestra
14. The Slap In The Face - The Philadelphia Orchestra
15. Barrel Organ - The Philadelphia Orchestra
16. Contredanse - The Philadelphia Orchestra
17. Galop - The Philadelphia Orchestra
18. The Market Place - The Philadelphia Orchestra
19. Escape - The Philadelphia Orchestra
20. Montanelli - The Philadelphia Orchestra
21. Finale - The Philadelphia Orchestra
22. The Austrians - The Philadelphia Orchestra
23. Gemma's Room - The Philadelphia Orchestra

Tracks:

1. Presto - Riccardo Chailly
2. Andante - Riccardo Chailly
3. The Song Of The Counterplan - Riccardo Chailly
4. March. The Street - Riccardo Chailly
5. Galop - Riccardo Chailly
6. Barrel Organ - Riccardo Chailly
7. March - Riccardo Chailly
8. Altai - Riccardo Chailly
9. In Kuzmina's Hut - Riccardo Chailly
10. School Children - Riccardo Chailly
11. Storm Scene: Storm Breaks - Riccardo Chailly
12. Storm Scene: Snow Storm - Riccardo Chailly
13. Storm Scene: Calm After The Storm - Riccardo Chailly
14. The Tale Of The Silly Little Mouse, Op.56 - Riccardo Chailly
15. Introduction - Riccardo Chailly
16. Palace Music - Riccardo Chailly
17. Ball At The Castle - Riccardo Chailly
18. Ball - Riccardo Chailly
19. In The Garden - Riccardo Chailly
20. Military Music - Riccardo Chailly
21. Scene Of The Poisoning - Riccardo Chailly
22. Funeral March - Riccardo Chailly
23. Waltz - Riccardo Chailly
24. Scherzo - Riccardo Chailly
25. Youth (Romance) - Riccardo Chailly
26. Finale - Riccardo Chailly

Tracks:

1. I. Largo - Rudolf Barshai
2. II. Allegro Molto - Rudolf Barshai
3. III. Allegretto - Rudolf Barshai
4. IV. Largo - Rudolf Barshai
5. V. Largo - Rudolf Barshai
6. I. Andante - Rudolf Barshai
7. II. Allegretto Furioso - Rudolf Barshai
8. III. Adagio - Rudolf Barshai
9. IV. Allegretto - Andante - Rudolf Barshai
10. I. Allegretto - Rudolf Barshai
11. II. Andantino - Rudolf Barshai
12. III. Allegretto - Rudolf Barshai
13. IV. Allegretto - Rudolf Barshai

Tracks:

1. Introduction And Night Patrol - Neeme Jarvi
2. Funeral March - Neeme Jarvi
3. Flourish And Dance Music - Neeme Jarvi
4. The Hunt - Neeme Jarvi
5. Pantomime Of The Actors - Neeme Jarvi
6. Procession - Neeme Jarvi
7. Musical Pantomime - Neeme Jarvi
8. Banquet - Neeme Jarvi
9. Ophelia's Song - Neeme Jarvi
10. Cradle Song - Neeme Jarvi
11. Requiem - Neeme Jarvi
12. Tournament - Neeme Jarvi
13. Fortinbras's March - Neeme Jarvi
14. Introduction - Neeme Jarvi
15. Adagio - Neeme Jarvi
16. Polka - Neeme Jarvi
17. Dance - Neeme Jarvi
18. Overture - Neeme Jarvi
19. Bureaucrat's Dance - Neeme Jarvi
20. Drayman's Dance - Neeme Jarvi
21. Tango - Neeme Jarvi
22. Intermezzo - Neeme Jarvi
23. The Colonial Slavegirl's Dance - Neeme Jarvi
24. The Yes-Man - Neeme Jarvi
25. General Dance And Apotheosis - Neeme Jarvi

Tracks:

1. Overture On Russian And Kirghiz Folk Themes, Op.115 - Bernard Haitink
2. When The War Ended - Nikita Storojev
3. We Will Clothe Our Homeland With Forests - Nikita Storojev
4. Memories Of The Past - Nikita Storojev
5. The Pioneers Plant The Forests - Nikita Storojev
6. The Young Communists Go Forth - Nikita Storojev
7. A Walk In The Future - Nikita Storojev
8. Glory - Nikita Storojev
9. Funeral And Triumphal Prelude, Op.130 - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
10. The Execution Of Stepan Razini, Op.119 - Herbert Kegel

Tracks:

1. Festival Overture, Op.96 - Cristina Ortiz
2. I. Allegro - Cristina Ortiz
3. II. Andante - Cristina Ortiz
4. III. Allegro - Cristina Ortiz
5. Moderato - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
6. Andante - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
7. Largo - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
8. Moderato - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
9. Allegretto - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
10. I. Allegretto - Rudolf Barshai
11. II. Moderato Con Moto - Rudolf Barshai
12. III. Allegro Non Troppo - Rudolf Barshai
13. IV. Adagio - Rudolf Barshai
14. V. Moderato - Rudolf Barshai
15. Symphonic Poem - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Tracks:

1. I. Nocturne: Moderato - Andre Previn
2. II. Scherzo: Allegro - Andre Previn
3. III. Passacaglia: Andante - Andre Previn
4. IV. Burlesque: Allegro Con Brio - Presto - Andre Previn
5. I. Moderato - Boston Symphony Orchestra
6. II. Adagio - Boston Symphony Orchestra
7. III. Adagio - Allegro - Boston Symphony Orchestra

Tracks:

1. I. Allegretto - Symphonieorchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
2. II. Moderato - Symphonieorchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
3. III. Cadenza - Symphonieorchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
4. IV. Allegro Con Moto - Symphonieorchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
5. I. Largo - Symphonieorchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
6. II. Allegretto - Symphonieorchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks
7. III. Allegretto - Symphonieorchester Des Bayerischen Rundfunks

Customer Reviews:

A Great Collection.......2006-07-14

This collection of the orchestral suites and chamber symphonies filled a gap in my collection of Shostakovich's music with the exception of the concertos. The CDs are generously filled with the majority of the nine going over 70 minutes. For the most part, I thought the arrangement of the music on the discs was very good. I liked having the first piano concerto between the jazz suites but it is odd that the two tracks from the film Pirogov are separated by the Romance from The Gadfly. To the casual observer, it might appear that the CDs duplicates some music as the collection contains suites from both of the film versions of Hamlet (from 1932 and 1964) and two suites from the ballet The Bolt (from 1931 and 1934) but they are distinctly different (the Bolt suites share the Intermezzo and Tango). The only piece that is duplicated is the Romance found in the suite and by itself.

Perhaps the gem of this collection are the four chamber symphonies, orchestrated by Rudolf Barshai, that are played by the Chamber Orchestra of Europe with Maestro Barshai conducting. There are some other gems in the set like an inspired performance of the Execution of Stephan Razin conducted by Herbert Kegel and the Overture on Russian and Kirghiz Folk Themes conducted by Bernard Haitink. I had not heard the latter piece for several years; a very colorful overture and a delight. My preference is for David Oistrakh and Mstislav Rostropovich is the Violin and Cello concertos; they are well represented in this set. The Violin concertos are played by Victoria Mullova (No. 1) and Gidon Kremer (No. 2). Heinrich Schiff plays both Cello Concertos under Maxim Shostakovich and turns in fabulous performances. The First Piano Concerto is well-played but I did not care for the performance of the Second Piano Concerto with the middle movement being particularly slow in tempo.

So, there is much in this collection to enjoy. I was only duplicating the concertos with some of the music unknown to me (such as The Counterplan and Alone) or unheard for a long time. Highly recommended.

A Mixed Bag of Shostakovich Offerings.......2006-06-21

For those who love Shostakovich, this 9 disk set appears to be the definitive collection of his music which, apart from the concertos, does not fit in the more common categories of classical works. The Orchestral Suites include those from film works, ballets, and the like, and the Chamber Symphonies are, as the category implies, works for small orchestral groupings.

Shostakovich's works are often fun. When they aren't fun they are often, at least, satirical. But Shostakovich cannot be pigeon-holed so easily. He wrote some of the best "serious" classical works that came out of the 20th Century. This collection includes many such works, and all are worth listening to.

The major drawback in the set are the physical arrangement of the tracks. The first of the nine disks begin with a Jazz Suite, followed by Piano Concerto No. 1, followed by another Jazz Suite. (If you listen to the Jazz Suites as satire, they aren't half bad, but if you are expecting Coltrane, ..., well just remember that Jazz is an American idiom.) But why sandwich a major piano concerto between two more or less more frivolous works? This disk concludes with his satirical Tea for Two orchestration titled Tahiti Trot.

There are a couple of suites from various stage or film music: We get some of them in various versions. These are spaced among other works so one doesn't have to hear two versions back to back. For example "Youth" from Gadfly.

Then we get The Execution of Steven Razin shortly after the Songs of the Forests. To me these make strange disk fellows even though both are vocal works.

This is one of the first collections I would recommend you rip to MP3, WMA, or the like, and then create playlists more to what you would like. (Of course, if you are adept at programming your CD player you could do that as well, but unfortunately most of the pieces I want to hear together reside on several disks.

Given these drawbacks, the set is still worth while. Listen and enjoy, but expect some whiplash as the producers jerk you along.

Average customer rating: Schiff is great, several nothces above the conducting

Shostakovich: Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 Manufacturer: Philips ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Similar Items: Prokofiev: Violin Concerto No. 2; Violin Concerto No. 1 Shostakovich: Concerto for Cello in E flat; Symphony No. 1 in F Major Shostakovich: Symphony No. 7 Szymanowski: Harnasie; Orchestral Songs Shostakovich: Piano Concertos; 3 Fantastic Dances; 5 Preludes & Fugues, Op. 87 ASIN: B000EBD85E Release Date: 2006-09-12

Tracks:

1. I. Allegretto
2. II. Moderato
3. III. Cadenza
4. IV. Allegro Con Moto
5. I. Largo
6. II. Allegretto
7. III. Allegretto

Customer Reviews:

Schiff is great, several nothces above the conducting.......2007-03-17

The Shostakovich Cello Concerto #1 has enjoyed many fine recordings, going back to the American premier under Ormandy with Rostropovich (Sony) almost fifty years ago. This reissue of the reading by Heinrich Schiff has a lot going for it. The close-up recording of the soloist is backed by natural, dynamic recording of the Bavarian State orchestra--evey detail of the wind solos, particularly the horn, is caught beautifully. Schiff's way with the music is propulsive and intense; his tone is wiry and edgy compared to Rostropovich, but whose isn't?

I've heard consderalby better conducting than what we get from the composer's son, Maxim. Tilson Thomas with Maisky (DG) and the relatively unknown but riveting account from Richard Tognetti and his Austrailian Chamber Orch. with Dutch cellist Peter Wispelwey (Channel Classics) make this version sound too relaxed. Also, not every rival comes with the tough, late Cello Concerto #2, which is by turns gloomy and puzzling--a hard listen. But it must be said that soloist and conductor try to make it as exciting as possible.

Average customer rating:

Sibelius, Valen: Violin Concertos Manufacturer: Biddulph Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Bloch | Bloch, Ernest | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Kabalevsky | Kabalevsky, Dmitri | ( K ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sarasate | Sarasate, Pablo de | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Sibelius | Sibelius, Jean | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Stravinsky | Stravinsky, Igor | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Prokofiev | Prokofiev, Sergei | ( P ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Preludes | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Ballets & Dances | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Contemporary | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Chamber Music | Forms & Genres | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Vocal & Song | Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Russian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Similar Items: The Art of Camilla Wicks Clara Haskil: Philips Recordings, 1951-1960 Tchaikovsky Violin Concerto (Hybr) ASIN: B000HKDB5E Release Date: 2006-12-26

Average customer rating: Haunting, Atmospheric, and Beautiful Not your ordinary tonal bubble bath ... The Best overall stress reducing music cd ever! Only problem is... Wonderful and Relaxing.

Night Tracks Manufacturer: Teldec ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD Quintets | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music General | Chamber Music | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by J.S. Bach | Bach, Johann Sebastian | ( B ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Copland | Copland, Aaron | ( C ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Dvorák, Antonín | ( D ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Grieg, Edvard | ( G ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart | Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus | ( M ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Saint-Saëns, Camille | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Satie | Satie, Erik | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Schubert | Schubert, Franz | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Vaughan Williams, Ralph | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Verdi | Verdi, Giuseppe | ( V ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Fugues | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Suites | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Romantic | Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General | Baroque (c.1600-1750) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Vaughan Williams, Ralph | Composers | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Symphonies | Forms & Genres | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music General | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Piano | Keyboard | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music Violin | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music Modern & 20th Century | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music London Philharmonic Orchestra | ( L ) | Featured Performers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music Compilations | Classical | Styles | Music General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Romantic (c.1820-1910) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Italian | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Airs | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music Movie Scores | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music Similar Items: Nightmoods: Twilight Hour Morning Mood: The Soft Sounds of Grieg Northern Lights: Music of Contemplation for a New Age The Most Relaxing Piano Album in the World...Ever! ASIN: B000000SAH Release Date: 1996-10-29

Tracks:

1. Symphony No. 2: Andante sostenuto 'A London Symphony'
2. Paulina's Theme & Paulina's Secret (Death And The Maiden)
3. La Traviata: Prelude To Act 1
4. Symphony No. 9 'New World': Largo
5. The Well - Tempered Clavier, Book 1: Prelude In C - Sharp Minor
6. Carnival Of The Animals: Aquarium
7. Gymnopedie I
8. Trivium: Camerata Tallinn
9. The Children of Lir: 'Listen To The Cleric's Bell'
10. Suantrai
11. The Well - Tempered Clavier, Book 1: Prelude In C Major
12. Romance For Violin And Orchestra: The Lark Ascending
13. Lyric Pieces: Arietta, Op. 12, No. 1
14. Suite No. 6 In D Major For Cello: Allemande
15. Sacred Choral Works: Concerto No. 32, Andante Moderato
16. String Quintet In C Major, D 956: Adagio
17. Sanata In C Major, K, 454: Andante
18. Piano Concerto No.2, Op. 102: Andante
19. Appalachian Spring: Andante

Amazon.com

This disc must be intended for insomniacs; it has that three-in-the-morning feel. The single movements featured are for the most part well performed. And some are decidedly off the beaten track, like Wojciech Kilar's Death and the Maiden (no relation to Schubert's) from the soundtrack to the movie, Paulina's Secret. And we also get English horn player Thomas Stacy doing the solo from the slow movement of Dvorák's New World Symphony with the New York Philharmonic. Also, there is violinist Tasmin Little and the BBC Symphony in a beautiful, dewy performance of The Lark Ascending by Vaughan Williams. -- Gwendolyn Freed

Customer Reviews:

Haunting, Atmospheric, and Beautiful.......2006-06-15

Every time I find myself awake past midnight, I listen to this CD. It does indeed have that "three-in-the-morning feel". I'm not a classical music buff but every piece on Night Tracks is well-chosen and played beautifully. No matter I stressed out I may feel, this CD never fails to relax me and fill me with peace and tranquility --- I can't recommend it highly enough. The album cover is striking and moody.

Not your ordinary tonal bubble bath ..........2005-10-01

I love this recording for its thought-provoking selections. I wouldn't suggest reading while you listen, you'll get too distracted. Maybe a long soak in the bath and a nice glass of wine. It's great for thinking things over. If I have a criticism, it's the odd themes from Dvorak, Copland, Vaughn Williams and Verdi. Playing just a taste of a theme from something doesn't satisfy. But the Bach, Kilar, Espere and the rest are wonderful.

The Best overall stress reducing music cd ever!.......2005-01-17

This is by far one of my favorite cd's to listen to at the end of a long day. Especially in the winter months curled up by a fire and a good book.

Only problem is..........2005-01-04

I always fall asleep by the third song. It is so relaxing and wonderful in assortment.

Wonderful and Relaxing........2003-01-17

Truly one of the best collections of relaxing classical music. A must have for couples when the kids are gone, or just some quiet time alone. Soothing to the mind, body and soul.

Average customer rating:

Shostakovich Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 Manufacturer: Supraphon ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music General Modern | Modern, 20th, & 21st Century | Historical Periods | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Symphonies | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B00000JQMJ Release Date: 1999-12-13

Average customer rating: Superb Interpretation of Two 20th Century Masterpieces All-around, it may be my top recommendation All-around, it may be my top recommendation

Dmitri Shostakovich: Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 Manufacturer: Polygram Records ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD General | Concertos | Forms & Genres | Classical | Styles | Music Cello | Strings | Instruments | Classical | Styles | Music General | Classical | Styles | Music All Works by Shostakovich | Shostakovich, Dmitri | ( S ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music ASIN: B00000E2T5 Release Date: 1990-10-25

Customer Reviews:

Superb Interpretation of Two 20th Century Masterpieces.......2006-07-17

I first heard this 1984 recording of these two concertos and then heard the 1996 recording by Kyrill Rodin, with Konstantin Krimets conducting to Russian Philharmonic Orchestra.

The main difference I immediately noticed in these two performances is that Schiff's is somewhat more restrained in the Allegretto and Allegro movements. This is most noticeable in the first movement (Allegretto) of Cello Concerto No. 1, where the sound of the cello on the Rodin/Krimets recording is more sharply delineated and set off from the orchestra, and there is more of a feeling of tension, and urgency, in the Rodin/Krimets interpretation. This impression may also be the result of differences in recording technology and sound engineering, as much as differences in performance style. The pizzicato sections sound more clear on the Rodin/Krimets than on the Schiff/Shostakovich. On the other hand, the percussion sounds more clear and powerful on the Schiff/Shostakovich.

On the whole, the Schiff interpretation is a bit more restrained, and has a very smooth finish, which is not to say that Rodin's interpretation is by any means unpolished. Both CDs have a poetic lyricism, with a feeling of dark beauty and intimacy in the slow movements (especially the first, Largo movement of Concerto No. 2) that is quite beautiful. Rodin's performance conveys a bit more of a feeling of intensity than Schiff's in the fast movements. But, in the slow movements, the Rodin CD actually has much longer timings, with the second (Moderato) movement of Concerto No. 1 at 12:57, in comparison to 11:03 for Schiff. The greatest difference in timings is in the third (Finale: Allegretto) section of Concerto No. 2, with Rodin at 21:08 compared to 15:19 for Schiff. The quality of the sound on the Rodin CD, especially on the high notes, and most noticeably in the wind and horn sections is exceptionally sharp and crystal clear on the Rodin recording. Both CDs have an excellent balance between the soloist and orchestra.

I have listened to and greatly enjoyed both CDs several times, sometimes listening to one movement of the Rodin/Krimets CD and then immediately listening to the same movement by Schiff/Shostakovich, and comparing the differences between the two CDs. At this point, I still don't have a preference. Both performances are outstanding. I give both CDs my highest recommendation and, ideally, recommend getting both and enjoying the differences in the performances. Total Playing Time on Rodin/Krimets = 71:40. Total Playing Time on Schiff/Shostakovich = 61:16.

All-around, it may be my top recommendation.......2003-08-18

I used to own this on vinyl, and I'm sure glad I bought it again on CD. I'd forgotten what powerful, direct, unaffected performances these are. What's remarkable about them is how they are not unusual in any way: they are measured, not over the top, studio recordings where every detail has been thought of, every step of the journey has been mapped ahead of time. Many times this leads to a sterile, well-played-but-dull recording. Not this one. Maxim's support is on the devoted level and Schiff plays every phrase with maximum effect and calculation. The build in the second movement, for example, that starts at about 7:30 is remarkable for its slow, steady pace, a straight ascension that climaxes *just right.* There's not a wasted effect on this album; everything works with no wasted motion. Yet the total effect is of two men who understand where they are in the pieces at all times, and know what the "temperature" is supposed to be at all times. Thus the effort and the technique melt away and we are carried by magic, carefully crafted magic. This album proved to me that sometimes at least, calculation and intellect can win out over spontaneity and discovery. This isn't to compare one unfavorably with the other, but rather to show there's more than one way to skin a rabbit. Or perform the Shostakovich Cello Concerti. (For the "other" way, read my review of Kliegel/Wit on Naxos, or hear, if you want to spring for the whole box, Rostropovich on EMI's "The Russian Years." Also thrilling, but very different.)

Schiff and Maxim are helped by transparent and balanced sound on these two works. This is a really impressive disc sonically. You'll hear inner cello lines and passages where the violins plays against the violas better here than in most recordings, especially in the somewhat denser first concerto. One really appreciates the intricacy of the cello part in these concertos. Other performers attack the work more, but Schiff and Maxim dissect it. But again, though it sounds like this would make for a dull, cautious recording, it is anything but.

Highly recommended, in a very competitive field.

All-around, it may be my top recommendation.......2003-08-08

I used to own this on vinyl, and I'm sure glad I bought it again on CD. I'd forgotten what powerful, direct, unaffected performances these are. What's remarkable about them is how they are not unusual in any way: they are measured, not over the top, studio recordings where every detail has been thought of, every step of the journey has been mapped ahead of time. Many times this leads to a sterile, well-played-but-dull recording. Not this one. Maxim's supposrt is on the devoted level and Schiff plays every phrase with maximum effect and calculation. The build in the second movement, for example, that starts at about 7:30 is remarkable for its slow, steady pace, a straight ascension that climaxes *just right.* There's not a wasted effect on this album; everything works with no wasted motion. Yet the total effect is of two men who understand where they are in the pieces at all times, and know what the "temperature" is supposed to be at all times. Thus the effort and the technique melt away and we are carried by magic, carefully crafted magic. This album proved to me that sometimes at least, calculation and intellect can win out over spontaneity and discovery. This isn't to compare one unfavorably with the other, but rather to show there's more than one way to skin a rabbit. Or perform the Shostakovich Cello Concerti. (For the "other" way, read my review of Kliegel/Wit on Naxos, or hear, if you want to spring for the whole box, Rostropovich on EMI's "The Russian Years." Also thrilling, but very different.)

Schiff and Maxim are helped by transparent and balanced sound on these two works. This is a really impressive disc sonically. You'll hear inner cello lines and passages where the violins plays against the violas better here than in most recordings, especially in the somewhat denser first concerto. One really appreciates the intricacy of the cello part in these concertos. Other performers attack the work more, but Schiff and Maxim dissect it. But again, though it sounds like this would make for a dull, cautious recording, it is anything but.

Highly recommended, in a very competitive field.

Average customer rating:

Shostakovich Plays Shostakovich: Cello Sonata, Piano Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 Dmitri Shostakovich , Mstislav Rostropovich , Alexander Gauk , and Samuil Samosud ProductGroup: Music Binding: Audio CD ASIN: B0000261VF Release Date: 1995-02-07

Track Listings:

1. Sibelius: Violin Concerto; Sinding: Violin Concerto No. 1
2. Slavonic Dances Op 46 & Op 72
3. Smetana: Czech Dances/Reveries
4. Stabat Mater, Classical Music for Relection & Meditation
5. Stockholm Philharmonic 75th Anniversary [Box set]
6. Stonewave
7. Symphony 1 / Symphony 5 / Leonore Overture
8. Symphony 3 / New York Profiles / Symphony 1
9. Tchaikovsky: Three Cantatas
10. Terem Quartet: Classical

Track Listings

track listings

Track Listings

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