Dvorak-Cello Concerto In B Minor-My Favorite Recordings

[stenka razin]

The Dvorak B Minor Cello Concerto is unquestionably the greatest concerto ever written for the cello and my favorite. I know most of you have your favorites and so do I. Please list your favorites and let's get a discographic thread going, my fellow CMGers.


1-Starker-Dorati-London Symphony-Mercury Philips-1990/62-****

2-Casals-Szell-Czech Philharmonic-EMI-1990/37-****+

3-Rostropovich-Talich-Czech Philharmonic-Supraphon-2005/52-****++

4-Tortelier-Previn-London Symphony-EMI-2003/79-***1/2

5-Piatigorsky-Munch-Boston Symphony-RCA-1993/60-****

6-Rostropovich-Ozawa-Boston Symphony-1987-Erato-****

7-Feuermann-Barzin-National Orchestral Association-Philips-1988/40-****+

8-Fournier-Szell-Berlin Philharmonic-DG-1988/61****

9-Wallfisch-Mackerras-London Symphony-Chandos-1989-***

P.S. I have lots more, but the above recordings were the best.

[otterhouse]

For people outside the usa:

http://www.europarchive.org/item.php?id=lp-00915_BeG

Zara Nelsova (I think 1950)

Rolf

[Chalkperson]

I have...

Gregor Piatagorsky - RCA
Mstislav Rostropovich - Supraphon
Anne Gastinel - Naive
Milos Sadlo - Supraphon
Janos Starker - Mercury
Pietr Wispelwey - Channel Classics
Pierre Fournier - DG
Paul Tortelier - EMI
Du Pre - EMI

But My Favourite is...

Jean-Guihen Queras - Harmonia Mundi

[Fergus]

I have-

Piatigorsky-Munch-Boston Symphony-RCA
Rostropovich-BPO-Karajan-DG

[Febnyc]

I would take issue with the words "unquestionably the greatest..." I'd agree that it, unquestionably, is the most well-known. But there are other cello concertos which might be considered before hoisting Dvořák's so matter-of-factly on to the pedestal.

However, I think it's a magnificent work, of course, and am happy with the Rostropovich/BPO/Karajan. (Although I do have another - Wallfisch/LSO/Mackerras - which is a sumptuous performance and is joined on the disc by Dohnányi's wonderful Konzertstuck for Cello.)

[Wallingford]

I'll leap at any opportunity to trumpet a Dean Dixon recording.

He accompanied ANTONIO JANIGRO in the Dvorak on Nixa/Westminster in the early 50s.

[stenka razin]

I would take issue with the words "unquestionably the greatest..." I'd agree that it, unquestionably, is the most well-known. But there are other cello concertos which might be considered before hoisting Dvořák's so matter-of-factly on to the pedestal.

However, I think it's a magnificent work, of course, and am happy with the Rostropovich/BPO/Karajan. (Although I do have another - Wallfisch/LSO/Mackerras - which is a sumptuous performance and is joined on the disc by Dohnányi's wonderful Konzertstuck for Cello.)

Feb, you have a point, the Elgar, Schumann, Saint-Saens #1, Lalo, Haydn....yes, there are other great cello concertos, but as much as I adore the Elgar, hum the Saint-Saens, whistle the Schumann, the Dvorak still is the longest and most majestic of all 'major' cello concertos...

[DavidRoss]

I like the Dvorak, though nothing moves me like the Elgar, and I'd usually rather hear Proky's Sinfonia Concertante. My top choice these days is Truls Mørk with Jansons and the Oslo Philharmonic but I agree with Chalkie that the Queras is darned good. I'd probably go for it if I were looking for another.

[stenka razin]

I like the Dvorak, though nothing moves me like the Elgar, and I'd usually rather hear Proky's Sinfonia Concertante. My top choice these days is Truls Mørk with Jansons and the Oslo Philharmonic but I agree with Chalkie that the Queras is darned good. I'd probably go for it if I were looking for another.

DavidRoss, thank you for reminding me and fellow CMGers of the Prokoiev. That sizzling work belongs near the top in my book, also. A grand piece with much in common with the last three Prokofiev Symphonies. Great choice!

[Febnyc]

Nikolai Miaskovsky wrote a beautiful cello concerto, too.

And, could we consider Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations? One of my top cell/orchestra works.

[maestrob]

Yes, I would put Miaskovky's Cello Concerto up there with the greats.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_m?url ... stropovich

Rostropovich recorded the Dvorak at least half-a-dozen times with various conductors: his reading with HVK is my least favorite. Note values are not observed or skimmed over: it's the least disciplined of his readings. On DGG, I much prefer Fournier: http://www.amazon.com/Dvor%C3%A1k-Cello ... 275&sr=1-1

[Febnyc]

Ernest Bloch's Schelomo, Max Bruch's Kol Nidre - and Sir Arthur Sullivan wrote a fine Cello Concerto.

Also, back home in the States - Victor Herbert's.

[Ralph]

DuPre. Period.

[AntonioA]

The Casals/Szell is one of the most moving cello recordings I have ever heard.
The first Rostropovich with Talich is fine too.

[Chalkperson]

Feb, you have a point, the Elgar, Schumann, Saint-Saens #1, Lalo, Haydn....yes, there are other great cello concertos

I never understood the esteem to which the Haydn is held, Cello Concertos really start with Schumann...

[Fergus]

I never understood the esteem to which the Haydn is held, Cello Concertos really start with Schumann...

I think that the Haydn cello concertos are fine works. Sure they do not delve into the depths of the emotions of the Romantic cello concertos but I find that they are full of lyricism and invention.

[Chalkperson]

I never understood the esteem to which the Haydn is held, Cello Concertos really start with Schumann...

I think that the Haydn cello concertos are fine works. Sure they do not delve into the depths of the emotions of the Romantic cello concertos but I find that they are full of lyricism and invention.

Actually, my statement is totally incorrect, Romantic Cello Concertos start with Schumann, Vivaldi's Cello Concertos are excellent, there is a pair of recordings of them on Naive with Christopher Coin, both are superb discs...I just never loved the Haydn...

[Fergus]

I actually have Coin playing the Haydn concertos with AAM + Hogwood on Decca and he does a fine job.

[Chalkperson]

I actually have Coin playing the Haydn concertos with AAM + Hogwood on Decca and he does a fine job.

He and Hogwood recorded a disc about twenty years ago of Vivaldi's Cello Sonatas too, if you ever see it I suggest you grab it...

[Fergus]

I actually have Coin playing the Haydn concertos with AAM + Hogwood on Decca and he does a fine job.

He and Hogwood recorded a disc about twenty years ago of Vivaldi's Cello Sonatas too, if you ever see it I suggest you grab it...

Thank you Sir, I will do just that.

[barney]

I'm rather surprised to find that I have only eight, of which two are double ups. That may be because I'm pretty satisfied with the versions I listen to most:
Rostropovich/Karajan
Du Pre/Barenboim
Casals/Szell
Fournier/Szell

[CharmNewton]

A number of posters mentioned the Casals/Szell recording. I wish to ask them what they find so special about this recording. AntonioA finds it moving. Is it Casals, Szell the orchestra?

John

[Wallingford]

CERTAINLY the orchestra, among other factors: it's a chance to hear Szell direct the CZECH PHILHARMONIC.

[maestrob]

CERTAINLY the orchestra, among other factors: it's a chance to hear Szell direct the CZECH PHILHARMONIC.

I grew up with this recording and rate it highly.....both Szell and Casals are in rare form.

[Ken]

I thought I'd use this opportunity to, while not entirely relevant to this conversation, note that I find the coda to this work to be one of the most exciting finishes in all of music.

This is probably a rather amateur musical insight, but I've yet to find another orchestral work that, in the same manner as Dvorak's piece, alters the listener's entire perception of what she has just listened to. The last few phrases of the Concerto offer a concise, exhilarating, and memorable means of musical punctuation.

That said, some recordings pull it off better than others. I'd be interested to hear others' opinions about conductors who shape an exciting closing to this work.

[Wallingford]

I thought I'd use this opportunity to, while not entirely relevant to this conversation, note that I find the coda to this work to be one of the most exciting finishes in all of music.

This is probably a rather amateur musical insight, but I've yet to find another orchestral work that, in the same manner as Dvorak's piece, alters the listener's entire perception of what she has just listened to. The last few phrases of the Concerto offer a concise, exhilarating, and memorable means of musical punctuation.

That said, some recordings pull it off better than others. I'd be interested to hear others' opinions about conductors who shape an exciting closing to this work.

I KIND OF get what you're saying....it is a special coda, as it seems one long and reluctant goodbye. Or a short succession of goodbyes, surrounded by a lot inbetween.