Miaskowsky composed his Cello Concerto in 1944, likely to contribute to the growing repertoire for young Soviet virtuosos, and sought advice on the solo part from cellist Svyatoslav Knushevitsky.
Critical Reception
Miaskowsky's music was neglected after his death due to its serious, complex, and subtle nature, lacking immediate appeal for Soviet concert programmers, and later criticized for 'modernist decadence' or insufficient 'Socialist Realism'.
Composer Biography
Nikolai Miaskowsky, a major Russian composer, initially trained as a military engineer, following his family's tradition, before pursuing music.
Composition History
Miaskowsky's Cello Sonata No. 2 was inspired by Mstislav Rostropovich, a 21-year-old cellist who supported Miaskowsky and Prokofiev after they were publicly censured by the Central Committee.
Instruments
Raphael Wallfisch, the cellist on this recording, plays a 1733 Montagnana cello known as the 'Ex-Romberg'.
Historical Context
Miaskowsky, despite pressure to conform to 'Socialist Realism' (the official Marxist-Leninist aesthetic introduced in 1932), largely maintained his artistic integrity and avoided political involvement.
Composition History
Miaskowsky's Cello Sonata No. 1 was a gift for his friends Modeste and Vsevolod Hofmann, who supported his aspiration to become a composer and hosted regular musical evenings.
