Mstislav Rostropovich - Dvorak: Cello Concerto, Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No.1 - Japan SACD Hybrid Limited Edition

Credits:

Mstislav Rostropovich

Description:

Rostropovich’s definitive interpretation of the “Dvořák Concerto,” which also garnered attention through his collaboration with Ozawa. The 1985 recording and others are now available for the first time on SACD! The ninth installment in our series of SACD releases of digital recordings! Includes new liner notes by Ryosuke Masuda This is Rostropovich’s final studio recording of the “Dvořák Concerto,” from a career that produced numerous masterpieces. Given that he explicitly stated he would never record this piece again after this, this is a legendary performance that showcases the intense dedication of both artists and the work’s exceptional artistry. Including live recordings, there are a considerable number of recordings available, and even among sessions made after the stereo era, there are four distinct versions (Bolt, Karajan, Giulini, and Ozawa). Each of these recordings represents a performance that led the way in its respective era, and none has lost its luster even today. They also convey a strong sense of the artists’ relentless pursuit of the highest standards. Furthermore, it is rare to find an album that so masterfully combines the demands of each era. With regard to this piece, this is likely a feat that only Rostropovich was able to achieve. To mark this release, we have created a new SACD version of this true masterpiece from the original digital master in Russia. The SACD layer and CD layer were mastered separately. Includes new liner notes. The jacket design is the original (“Rococo” is included on the simultaneously released TDSA10031). There are six studio recordings of Rostropovich’s “Dvořák: Cello Concerto,” listed in order of the conducting artists: Heikin, Talich, Boldt, Karajan, Giulini, and Seiji Ozawa; in addition, many live recordings have been reissued. In particular, it is said that Rostropovich’s interpretation of this piece deepened after receiving guidance from Talich in 1952, and he appears to have been greatly influenced by him. While the fact that he continued to perform and record this piece—which enjoys unparalleled fame and popularity among cello concertos—suggests strong demand, the level of dedication shown by Rostropovich, a leading figure who devoted his entire life to achieving the highest possible level of perfection, is truly remarkable. From his first stereo recording with Bolt onward, the recordings made roughly every ten years are not only representative of their respective eras but also remain masterpieces that continue to be cherished today. In particular, the 1968 recording with Karajan (DG)—notable for its grand scale and the high-profile collaboration—can be considered the quintessential recording of this piece (to be reissued in December 2025 as a Tower Records special edition SACD hybrid disc, PROC-2477). Following the subsequent Giulini recording (EMI), this album was recorded in 1985 under the baton of Seiji Ozawa as Rostropovich’s final studio session. It is his only digital recording, and Rostropovich was 58 years old at the time of the session. Ozawa’s conducting style closely supported the soloist, resulting in a performance that feels freer than any he had given with previous conductors. His statement that he would not record this piece again was not due to a decline in physical strength, but rather a sense of satisfaction that he had fully realized his vision. That declaration may have been possible precisely because he was performing with Ozawa, with whom he shared the same musical philosophy and goals. (1/2)