Search - Antonin Dvorak, Pyotr Il'yich Tchaikovsky, Herbert von Karajan :: Dvorák: Cello Concerto; Tchaikovsky / Karajan, Rostropovich,

One of the Definitive Dvorak Cello Concerto Recordings

John Kwok | New York, NY USA | 11/10/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a tough one to call. Admittedly, the sound quality of Erato's recording of Rostropovich performing the Dvorak Cello Concerto and the Tchaikovsky Rocco Variations is still better than Deutsche Grammophon's digital image bit remastered version with Rostropovich accompanied by Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic. Certainly for both recordings, Rostropovich gives warm, passionate performances of these works; his interpretations in the Erato recording may sound more vibrant than these on the Deutsche Grammophon CD, but this may have more to do with sound quality than with his splendidly lyrical playing. However, without question, the Deutsche Grammophon recording does offer Karajan and the Berlin Philharmonic at its best. I doubt I have heard a better concerto recording from them; most noteworthy is the lush, warm tone created by the strings, sounding almost as warm as any I have heard from the Vienna Philharmonic's string sections. You certainly won't go wrong acquiring either the Deutsche Grammophon or Erato CDs; I own both and enjoy them immensely."

Beautifully warm and lyrical - a sheer delight!

Mike Powers | Woolwich, ME USA | 05/06/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I found this CD to be an absolute delight! From opening to closing measure of both the Dvorak cello concerto and the Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations, cellist Mstislav Rostropovich and the Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra, under the direction of Herbert von Karajan, team up to establish a splendid musical dialog. The cello concerto, one of Dvorak's greatest masterpieces, is at the same time warm, passionate and lyrical. I've personally never heard a better performance of the second movement - adagio ma non troppo - with its almost ethereal quality. Tchaikovsky's "Rococo variations" are sheer magic from start to finish. This is another of Deutsche Grammophon's "Originals" series, a digital re-mastering of recordings made in 1969. I found the sound quality to be quite outstanding. While retaining some of the characteristics of the original analog recording, dynamic range and realism in stereo imaging are enhanced. The recording's locale adds to the warmth of the performances.This CD was awarded a rosette by the Penguin Guide to Compact Discs. (The rosette is the Penguin Guide's highest accolade, given to a recording of special distinction). For lovers of both Dvorak's cello concerto and Tchaikovsky's "Rococo Variations," this is THE CD to own!"

A must for any serious collector

P. Rah | Sion, Switzerland | 04/25/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is a supreme classic of the gramophone catalogue. It is a glorious disc, representing Rostropovich at his peak. The Berlin Philharmonic and Karajan are on top form as well. From the rapt opening of the Dvorak concerto, Karajan and his band create the most wonderful atmosphere for the soloist to play in. Dvorak's Cello concerto is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, work for the cello in the concerto repertoire. Rostropvich's magnificently full tone is perfect for this work. There is hardly anything you could criticise about the disc. The Dvorak is full of passion, fire, lyricism you could wish for, but Rostropvich doesn't pull out all the stops. He keeps certain degrees of fire in reserve for the really big moments. The dialog between the soloist and orchstra are unmatched in its chamber-like quality. It's a give-and-take performance, and what a performance! This particular recording of the Rococo Variations is unsurpassed. It has so much wit, panache, elegance, and the addition of Karajan being a master Tchaikovskian helps enormously. The playing matches the beauty and elegance and the Rustic charm of this piece fully with the soloist. This piece is pretty difficult to play, as there are many technical difficulties which surround the soloist, but Rostropovich, with his rich palette of tone colours, make the piece sound easy, very easy. My favouite in the Variations has to be the Finale, where Rostropovich finally pulls out all his powers and lets rip. The way he 'talks' with the orchestra is unmatched in its imaginativeness. All the parties involved really give the impression that they are really having fun, which in turn gives the listener the same impression. A most joyful way to end a glorious disc. I realise that I have been pretty indulgent with my use of superlatives, but I am lost for words, really. It really is a great disc, whose reputation is for once not exaggerated. If you don't have this CD right now, you should get a copy immediately."