Both Prokofiev's and Shostakovich's cello concertos on this album are considered fervently anti-Romantic, portraying the cello as a combatant rather than a lyrical instrument.
Composition History
Prokofiev's Cello Concerto in E minor, Op 58, was initially conceived after the great Russian émigré cellist Gregor Piatigorsky encouraged Prokofiev to write a cello concerto.
Compositional Technique
Shostakovich's Cello Concerto No 1 features an autobiographical element in its opening, derived from the musical notes of his own name.
Composition History
Prokofiev later rewrote his Cello Concerto, initially calling it 'Cello Concerto No 2' before renaming it 'Symphony-Concerto', largely due to Mstislav Rostropovich's revival of the original work.
Historical Context
Prokofiev's Cello Concerto was composed when he was relatively free from Soviet restrictions, in contrast to his later 'Symphony-Concerto' which had to be approved by a committee.
Performer Biography
Steven Isserlis, the cellist on this recording, is acclaimed worldwide and has written two successful children's books about music, 'Why Beethoven Threw the Stew' and 'Why Handel Waggled his Wig'.
Critical Reception
The 1938 premiere of Prokofiev's Cello Concerto in St Petersburg was a "total fiasco," according to Sviatoslav Richter, who blamed both the cellist and conductor.
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