SHOSTAKOVICH / BRITTEN

 

Dimitri Shostakovich

Cello Concerto No. 2 Op. 126

 

Benjamin Britten

Third Suite for Cello Op. 87

 

Pieter Wispelwey - cello

 

Sinfonietta Cracovia / Jurjen Hempel

 

This CD presents music composed by Benjamin Britten and Dmitri Shostakovich, two striking personalities from recent 20th-century musical history, who were also united by an intimate friendship. They both also shared reciprocal friendship with the inspiring and energetic Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, who gave the premier of both the three Suites for cello by Britten solo and the Second Cello Concerto in G by Shostakovich.

 

Pieter Wispelwey recorded Shostakovich with the Sinfonietta Cracovia which ranks among the leading Polish and European orchestras. The exceptional atmosphere of their concerts, the enthusiastic reception by the audiences, the glowing reviews and the quality of stage performances confirm the sustainable development of the still young ensemble. Wispelwey needs no further explanation. He was the first cellist ever to receive the Netherlands Music Prize, which is endowed upon the most promising young musician in the Netherlands; thus his path was secured to the busy and varied career he has today.

 

Channel Classics SACD CCSSA25308