Customer Reviews

Rubinstein: Concerto for Violoncello; Don Quixote; The Demon

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Anton Rubinstein's music has always been on the fringe of my musical listening. I own recordings of his Symphony, his piano concerto and of various chamber works. As a whole, Anton's music has not been of too much significance to my listening experiences. This splendid MDG Gold recording certainly contains some wonderful music by Rubinstein. Contained therein is a the very "Russian Sounding" Ballet music from his opera "The Demon" and the very "Western Sounding" orchestra piece "Don Quixote" along with the very beautiful three movement Cello concerto that is played most beautifully by Alban Gerhardt--that work reminded me a lot of Brahms. Rubinstein has been criticized for sounding too Western and not Russian enough. This disc kind of proves that that criticism is justified. Only the ballet scenes from "The Demon" have to me a "Russian flavor" with haunting folk melodies and splendid dance rhythms. The other two selections on the disc (Cello Concerto and orchestra piece "Don Quixote") as played on this album are fine late romantic works that sound, to me, very Western; however, I thoroughly enjoyed the music.

The Wupperal Symphony Orchestra lead by George Hanson and cellist Alban Gerhardt perform these works with deep feeling and gorgeous sound. I really enjoyed this recording. The recorded sound is very warm and lush.

Do yourself a favor and do give Anton's music a listen to by buying this wonderful disc of some very beautiful music.