Composer: Dmitri Shostakovich
Performer: Lukas Geniusas, Dmitry Masleyev, Sergey Dogadin, Pavel Milyukov, Alexander Buzlov, Alexander Ramm
Orchestra: Tatarstan National Symphony Orchestra
Conductor: Alexander Sladkovsky
Number of Discs: 3
Format: FLAC (tracks)
Label: Melodiya
Catalogue: MELCD1002465
Release: 2017
Size: 637 MB
Recovery: +3%
Scan: yes
CD 01
Piano Concerto No. 1 in C minor for piano, trumpet & strings, Op. 35
01. I. Allegretto
02. II. Lento
03. III. Moderato
04. IV. Allegro con brio
Piano Concerto No. 2 in F major, Op. 102
05. I. Allegro
06. II. Andante
07. III. Allegro
CD 02
Violin Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 99
01. I. Nocturne
02. II. Scherzo
03. III. Passacaglia
04. IV. Burlesque
Violin Concerto No. 2 in C sharp minor, Op. 129
05. I. Moderato
06. II. Adagio
07. III. Adagio – Allegro
CD 03
Cello Concerto No. 1 in E flat major, Op. 107
01. I. Allegretto
02. II. Moderato
03 .III. Cadenza
04. IV. Allegro con moto
Cello Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 126
05. I. Largo
06 .II. Allegretto
07. III. Allegretto
Melodiya presents Dmitri Shostakovich’s instrumental concertos performed by young soloists, prize-winners of the XIV and XV International Tchaikovsky Competitions, and the Tatarstan National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Alexander Sladkovsky. The instrumental concertos occupy a special niche in Shostakovich’s legacy. In terms of depth of content and scale of concept they are not inferior to his symphonic cycles. At the same time, the personal statements bring them closer to the master’s chamber music that, some argue, contains the composer’s ‘internal voice’. Shostakovich wrote both his concertos and chamber music with personalities and performing styles of certain musicians in mind. So, he wrote the piano concertos for himself (No. 1) and his son Maxim (No. 2), both violin concertos for David Oistrakh, and the cello concertos were inspired by the art of Mstislav Rostropovich. Today Shostakovich’s instrumental concertos enjoy wide, deserved popularity and are present in many musicians’ repertoire. This set is the first in a project that will include recordings of Shostakovich’s symphonic music made by Alexander Sladkovsky and the Tatarstan National Symphony Orchestra in 2016, the year of the composer’s 110th birthday. Sladkovsky became the orchestra’s chief conductor in 2010; with him at the helm, the orchestra is now one of the best symphony collectives in Russia. It has been a participant of international music festivals and has collaborated with the best international soloists. The careers of Lukas Geniušas, Alexander Buzlov, Alexander Ramm, Dmitri Masleyev, Sergei Dogadin and Pavel Milyukov began in the 21st century, but we are confident when we say that they are among the most remarkable representatives of music art of their generation and worthy successors of the great traditions of the Russian performing school.
A big thank you for finding these very special performances of ALL the Shostakovich Concertos. Alexander Sladkovsky and his Tartarstans along with these terrific young soloists really excel in these performances, often eclipsing the more well know competition in these works. Another “not to be missed” from the Tartarstan National Symphony Orchestra. Check out the Symphonies, as well as the Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky cycles as well. Hearty listening!