Dvořák & Saint-Saëns: Cello Concertos

Originally released in 1978—and rereleased in 2021—this is the great Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich’s fourth recording of the Dvořák Cello Concerto. It’s mellower than its predecessors, and the partnership with Italian conductor Carlo Maria Giulini brings huge rewards. Giulini lavishes enormous care on Dvořák’s glorious orchestration, while Rostropovich’s cello has a near-ideal focus. The coupling of the Saint-Saëns Cello Concerto brings another winning performance, done with much charm and more graceful orchestral playing.