Shostakovich Cello Concertos Numbers 1 and 2
Dmitri Shostakovich’s cello concertos numbers 1 and 2 were both written for cellist Mstislav Rostropovich. The first was composed in 1959, and the second in 1966.
The two concertos are different in spirit and shape: the first is often assertive and energetic, and features a huge cadenza for the cello that is almost a movement in its own right. The second concerto is more introspective, quieter, and thought provoking.
On this recording, they are beautifully performed by Gautier Capucon (cello), with the Mariinsky Theatre Orchestra, conducted by Valery Gergiev.
When Mr. Capuçon played the Concerto No. 1 in New York in early 2014, the New York Times said:
“Mr. Capuçon played the work beautifully, negotiating its difficulties with seeming ease … his elegance paid dividends …, especially in the meditative Moderato and the brooding opening of the cadenza.”
And my own high-point was reached when I heard Mr. Capucon perform the Cello solo in the Andante movement of Brahms’ Piano Quartet in C-Minor. What an amazing sound this man can produce!
Here is the Cello concerto #1 by Shostakovich, as performed by Gautier Capucon:
And for those of you who want to listen to that Brahms that I mentioned above, have a look at this:
