DVOŘÁK A. PIANO CONCERTO, CELLO CONCERTO No.2 / F.Maxián, M.Rostropovich / CPO / V.Talich

Antonín Dvořák - Concerto for Piano and Orchestra in G minor, Op.33 38:37

1. I. Allegro agitato 19:30

2. II. Andante sostenuto 8:12

3. III. Finale. Allegro con fuoco 10:47

Antonín Dvořák - Concerto for Cello and Orchestra No. 2 in B minor, Op. 104 39:14

4. I. Allegro 14:53

5. II. Adagio, ma non troppo 11:12

6. III. Finale. Allegro moderato 13:00

František Maxián piano

Mstislav Rostropovich cello

Czech Philharmonic Orchestra

Václav Talich conductor

Mono studio recordings 30.11.1951 (1-3), 18.6.1952 (4-6)

Dvořák's two instrumental concertos performed by masters of their instruments.

The piano concerto, long underrated as being insufficiently brilliant and virtuoso, performed by one of the great Czech pianists, František Maxián.

The violoncello concerto, the last work that Dvořák wrote during his stay in the United States. One of the world's finest cello concertos performed by legendary cellist Mstislav Rostropovich.

In 1952 Rostropovich, then 25, fascinated Prague audiences and critics alike: "Overall, Rostropovich's interpretation of Dvořák is lively, active, at times even tempestuous. His Dvořák brims with youthful life, the joy of movement and melody, here with optimism, there on the other hand with young, poetic dreaminess. It is a performance which bears the mark of a great artistic personality and strong individuality in every measure, yet honors and bows with respect before the composer, at whose service he places the whole of his enormous talent."

For Rostropovich, working with Talich was and is an unforgettable experience: "I consider this recording of Dvořák's Violoncello Concerto to be my very best. And although I later made seven more recordings of this concerto, this is the one that means the most to me. All my life I have remained true to what Václav Talich taught me." (Mstislav Rostropovich)

Enthusiastic responses not only from the critics: "Some time after the album was released my friend Sviatoslav Richter called to say that he had just listened to the recording with Václav Talich, and that in his opinion it was absolutely ingenious. He was excited. (Mstislav Rostropovich)

(Supraphon 2005)