Rostropovich and Kondrashin in Prague, Live 1960

To immediately capture the attention there is of course an early performance of DSCH Cello Concerto no. 1, created in Leningrad (october 4, 1959) with  Mravinsky, presented two days later in Moscow under the conducting of Alexander Gauk, then recorded in Philadelphia with Ormandy (november 8, 1959). 

The rest is no less interesting, however, considering the caliber of the orchestra and the conductor: listen to the spooky elegance in the central part of La Valse!

Also singular is the fact that the three scores performed on this occasion, although so different, are nevertheless subtly linked by a sinister, restless and disturbing nature - which of course Kondrashin knows how to highlight perfectly - that somehow unites them.

Rachmaninoff

Symphony No. 3

Shostakovich 

Cello Concerto no. 1

Ravel

La Valse

Mstislav Rostropovich, cello

Czech Philharmonic Orchestra

Kirill Kondrashin

Prague Spring Festival (29 May 1960)

FLAC

Schumann, Bruckner - Giulini LAPO 1980

 

Of course Giulini is best known for his work on Bruckner with the Chicago and Vienna orchestras, but this Ninth in Los Angeles is no less impressive, in perfect balance between lyricism and grandiosity. Also interesting is the collaboration with Radu Lupu in a Concerto that Giulini loved deeply (as other Schumann scores) and performed with many important pianists, from Rubinstein and Annie Fischer to Pollini, Perahia and Kissin. Very good source. BTW.

SCHUMANN

Piano Concerto op. 54

BRUCKNER

Symphony No. 9

Radu Lupu, pf

Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra

CARLO MARIA GIULINI

Live, LA - March 8, 1980 

 

FLAC 

Mozart 3 Piano Concertos - Pollini pf & conductor

 

MOZART 

Piano Concerto no. 12 K. 414

Piano Concerto no. 14 K. 449

Piano Concerto no. 20 K. 466

Wiener Philharmoniker

MAURIZIO POLLINI, piano & conductor

Live in Wien, Konzerthaus - November 15, 1981

FLAC

Shostakovich 4 - Karel Ančerl live 1962

A great broadcast recording in very good sound.

SHOSTAKOVICH

Symphony No. 4 

Czech Philharmonc Orchestra 

Karel Ančerl 

Live - Smetana Hall, Prague, 13 May 1962

(Prague Spring Festival, 12 May / 04 Jun 1962)

FLAC