Kabalewsky: Cello Concertos Nos. 1 & 2, Colas Breugnon Suite

Thedéen, Torleif;
NDR Radiophilharmonie Hannover;
Oue, Eiji

CPO 777 668-2

Dmitry Kabalevsky stands alongside Shostakovich and Prokofiev as one of the most important Soviet composers, but regrettably his works are neglected today, often for reasons that have nothing to do with his music. He is still regarded as a writer of »music for learners« and derided by many Russians as a »boy scout« musician; apart from that, his position as a regime-friendly, arch-conservative critic did nothing to win him friends. As a composer he was neither a philosophical seeker after truth nor an innovator; he was more of a music-maker. His natural talent for catchy tunes, clear structures and audience-pleasing rhythms helped him to write music that even at first hearing was »easy on the ear« while standing up to critical analysis. It is beautifully crafted, eminently accessible music, full of wit and charm. Following his symphonies and piano concertos, which we have already presented in highly acclaimed recordings, we now offer his two Cello Concertos, which share these virtues. The Swedish cellist Torleif Thedeen is a wonderful find for our new release. For an encore, he plays the brilliant Colas Breugnon Suite.

CD

Muzyka klasyczna

CPO

06-11-2013

761203766826

American Record Guide: 'Critic’s Choice' (2015)