Posted by Frog on May 14, 1999 at 16:06:20:
In Reply to: Shostakovich Concerto Recordings posted by Theo on May 13, 1999 at 23:21:32:
Hey Theo,
Rostropovich is generally the best, but make sure you get the first one with Philly and Ormandy. It has the best tempos and sound in my opinion. The Truls Mork is not bad, but he plays it more like a showpiece. And Maisky is the same. Too fast!! The first movement is only marked allegretto and all these new guys seem to think it is a showpiece or something. However, Maisky's recording of the second concerto is sublime. He slows down quite a bit here and manages to get a very dark and appropiate sound, and also a fine range of tonal colors. Maisky is on Deutsch Gramaphone with Michael Tilson Thomas and London. I think the two concertoes aren't really so comparable. The second one is much more sombre, with a lot less action than the first. It was written when Shostakovich was starting to get ill. He had tuberculosis for a long time.The rostropovich is the reference recording cause it was written for him specifically. There weren't many cellists with sustaining power like him in his hayday. He had an unbeleiveable amount of power. Speaking of power, you should also know that the inspiration for the first Shosty concerto came from the Symphony Concertante of Prokofief. You should hear that one by Rostropovich as well. By the way, if you see a kid of 15 who plays that piece fantastically, then I'll be really impressed. Although, 15 is awful young for Shosty 1.
Frog
ps. Hey gang, tomorrow's my MSO audition. It's also the day that I quit smoking and tell my real name to the cello board. If anyone cares anymore that is.....