Shostakovich: Cello Concerto Nr. 1 in Es, Op. 107 • Ernst Bloch: Schelomo, rhapsody for cello and orchestra

The Cello Concerto No. 1 in E Flat Major, Op. 107, was written in 1959 for Mstislav Rostropovich, who memorized the work in four days and gave the premiere in Leningrad under Yevgeny Mravinsky, on October 4, 1959 in the Large Hall of the Leningrad Conservatory. Ernest Bloch's "Schelomo", the Hebraic Rhapsody for cello and orchestra, was composed in response to the agony he felt over the horror of World War I.

Lynn Harrel - a world-class cellists - is featured here on this recording. Harrell recorded it with conductor Bernard Haitink and the world-renowned Concertgebouw Orchestra of Amsterdam. Harrell is superlative in his solo role, with Haitink and his Amsterdam forces providing equally fine accompaniment. The engineers at London/Decca are to be commended as well for the way they let the listener in on the great acoustics of the great hall of the Concertgebouw. Anyone with a taste for 20th century concertos should give this recording a lot of consideration. Please also note the great contribution by first horn Julia Studebaker in the Shostakovich concerto. A must hear recording!

More information on the composition? Click here.






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