About this Artist

• Biography

Editorial Reviews

Though it is not a greatest hits, a career highlights, or the only disc you'll ever need by the performer, Artist Portrait is well worth hearing for fans of Mstislav Rostropovich. First, it includes performances of works that the great Russian cellist otherwise never recorded -- Rheinberger's serene "Abendlied," Marcello's haunting "Adagio" arranged for cello and organ by Bach, and Bach's own majestic Adagio from his "Organ Toccata in C major" arranged by Alexander Siloti. Second, it includes Rostropovich's final recordings of pieces he was closely and uniquely associated with -- the spicy central Allegro guisto from Prokofiev's "Symphony-Concerto for cello and orchestra" and the spiky opening Allegretto from Shostakovich's "Cello Concerto No. 1." Third, it includes splendid performances of works Rostropovich recorded several times earlier in his career -- Tchaikovsky's piquant "Variations on a Rococo Theme" and the central Adagio ma non troppo from Dvorák's "Cello Concerto." While those who love the late cellist will want to hear other recordings, anyone who loves Rostropovich will probably want to hear this one, too. Taken from digital recordings originally released by Teldec and Erato, the sound on this Warner Classics release is close, warm, and colorful. James Leonard, All Music Guide

Customer Reviews

• Listener Rating: