Shostakovich: Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2

Dmitri Shostakovich (Composer), Konstantin Krimets (Conductor), Russian Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra), Kyrill Rodin (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: Kyrill Rodin
• Orchestra: Russian Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Konstantin Krimets
• Composer: Dmitri Shostakovich
• Audio CD (June 13, 2006)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Arte Nova Classics
• ASIN: B000FII2K2
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #175,674 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

1. Cello Concerto No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 107: Allegretto

2. Cello Concerto No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 107: Moderato

3. Cello Concerto No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 107: Cadenza

4. Cello Concerto No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 107: Allegro con moto

5. Cello Concerto No. 2 in G major, Op. 126: Largo

6. Cello Concerto No. 2 in G major, Op. 126: Scherzo: Allegretto

7. Cello Concerto No. 2 in G major, Op. 126: Finale: Allegretto

Editorial Reviews

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

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Superb Interpretation of Two 20th Century Masterpieces, July 16, 2006

By 

Classicalfan "Classicalfan" (Reston, VA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Shostakovich: Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 (Audio CD)

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.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Kyril Rodin: Brilliant, January 30, 2010

By 

TomCZorn (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Shostakovich: Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 (Audio CD)

A technically perfect performance without seeming stilted; Rodin's interpretation is sensitive and true to the composer's intent. I prefer it to the Rostropovich version.

3 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful and an absolute bargain, September 7, 2007

By 

J. A. Bradley (Omaha NE USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Shostakovich: Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2 (Audio CD)

This is one of the best performances/recordings of the two 'cello concerti of Shostakovich - a joy (? - well, at least, wonderful melancholy) to which to listen. At this price, it is a steal.