Over to Paris this week for a classic concert from 1976 featuring the French National Orchestra conducted by Leonard Bernstein with Mstislav Rostropovich, cello.
The concert was re-broadcast in 1984 as a celebration of the FNO’s then-upcoming tour of the U.S.
Here’s what’s on the players:
French National Orchestra – November 1976
Leonard Bernstein, guest conductor
Mstislav Rostropovich, cello
1. Milhaud – Le Creation du Monde
2. Schumann – Cello Concerto in A Minor – w/Rostropovitch
3.Bloch – Schelomo – w/Rostropovitch
4.Milhaud – Le Boeuf sur le toit
5. (encore) Milhaud – Corcovado from Suadades do Brasil
Mstislav Leopoldovich Rostropovich is considered by many to be the greatest cellist of the 20th century. In addition to his interpretations and technique, he was well known for both inspiring and commissioning new works, which enlarged the cello repertoire more than any cellist before or since. He inspired and premiered over 100 pieces, forming long-standing friendships and artistic partnerships with composers including Dmitri Shostakovich, Sergei Prokofiev, Henri Dutilleux, Witold Lutosławski, Olivier Messiaen, Luciano Berio, Krzysztof Penderecki, Alfred Schnittke, Norbert Moret, Andreas Makris, Leonard Bernstein, Aram Khachaturian and Benjamin Britten.
Rostropovich was internationally recognized as a staunch advocate of human rights, and was awarded the 1974 Award of the International League of Human Rights. He was married to the soprano Galina Vishnevskaya and had two daughters, Olga and Elena Rostropovich.
Leonard Bernstein, conductor, composer, pianist, music educator, author, and humanitarian. Considered to be one of the most important conductors of his time, he was the first American conductor to receive international acclaim. According to music critic Donal Henahan, he was “one of the most prodigiously talented and successful musicians in American history”. Bernstein was the recipient of many honors, including seven Emmy Awards,two Tony Awards, sixteen Grammy Awards including the Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Kennedy Center Honor.
One of the great pairings on the concert stage (and recording studio). Legendary performances by legendary performers.
Enjoy.
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