Immerse yourself in the timeless elegance of Gregor Piatigorsky's "Concertos and Encores," a captivating collection of classical masterpieces released on October 18, 2005, under the prestigious Naxos label. This album is a testament to Piatigorsky's virtuosity and his deep connection with the cello, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that span a variety of styles and moods.
The album opens with the profound and expressive Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129 by Robert Schumann, showcasing Piatigorsky's technical brilliance and emotional depth. The concerto is followed by a diverse array of pieces, including the lyrical "Vocalise" from Rachmaninoff's 14 Songs, Op. 34, and the enchanting "Le Cygne" (The Swan) from Saint-Saëns' "Carnival of the Animals." Piatigorsky's renditions of these works are nothing short of breathtaking, highlighting his ability to convey a wide range of emotions through his playing.
In addition to the well-known concertos and encores, the album features lesser-known gems such as the "Moment Musical in F Minor" from Schubert's 6 Moments musicaux, Op. 94, and the evocative "Orientale" from Tchaikovsky's Kaleidoscope, Op. 50. These pieces add a layer of depth and variety to the album, showcasing Piatigorsky's versatility as a musician.
The album's duration of 1 hour and 17 minutes provides a satisfying listen, allowing you to fully appreciate the intricacies and nuances of each piece. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Gregor Piatigorsky's "Concertos and Encores" is an album that will leave a lasting impression.
2005 Naxos2005 Naxos
Tracks
Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129: I. Nicht zu schnellRobert Schumann, Gregor Piatigorsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli
Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129: II. LangsamRobert Schumann, Gregor Piatigorsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli
Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 129: III. Sehr lebhaftRobert Schumann, Gregor Piatigorsky, London Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir John Barbirolli
2 Melodies, Op. 3: No. 1 in F Major (arr. D. Popper): Melody in F Major, Op.3, No. 1 (arr. D. Popper)David Popper, Anton Rubinstein, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
14 Songs, Op. 34: Vocalise, Op. 34, No. 14Sergei Rachmaninoff, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Sadko (arr. for cello and piano): Sadko: Song of the Indian Guest (Chant hindou)Anonymous, Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Kaleidoscope, Op. 50: No. 9, OrientaleCésar Cui, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
12 Morceaux de difficulté moyenne, Op. 40 (Arr. for violin and piano): Chanson triste in G Minor, Op. 40, No. 2Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
6 Romances, Op. 6 (arr. for cello and piano): None but the lonely heart, Op. 6, No. 6Anonymous, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Carnival of the Animals: XIII. Le Cygne (The Swan)Camille Saint-Saëns, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
6 Moments musicaux, Op. 94, D. 780 (arr. for cello and piano): Moment Musical in F Minor, D. 780, Op. 94/3Franz Schubert, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
12 Morceaux, Op. 40 (arr. for cello and piano): Valse sentimentale in F Minor, Op. 51, No. 6Anonymous, Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Sonata No. 3 in D Minor for Piano with Violin Obbligato, J. 101: RondoCarl Maria von Weber, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
6 Soirees a Saint-Petersbourg, Op. 44: No. 1, Romance in E flatAnton Rubinstein, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Goyescas: IntermezzoGaspar Cassadó, Enrique Granados, Gregor Piatigorsky, Ralph Berkowitz
Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33: I. Allegro non troppoCamille Saint-Saëns, Gregor Piatigorsky, RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33: II. Allegretto con motoCamille Saint-Saëns, Gregor Piatigorsky, RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner
Cello Concerto No. 1 in A Minor, Op. 33: III. Molto allegroCamille Saint-Saëns, Gregor Piatigorsky, RCA Victor Symphony Orchestra, Fritz Reiner