Prokofiev: Sinfonia Concertante; Tcherepnin: Suite for Cello Solo

Prokofiev's first cello concerto, written in the late 1930's, was not well-received at its premiere. Although poorly interpreted by the cellist, much of the blame fell on Prokofiev for writing a 'soulless' concerto. The work was seldom played afterwards, until Prokofiev heard Rostropovich play it at a 1947 concert at the Moscow Conservatory. The performance reawakened Prokofiev's interest in the cello and he rewrote the work (with advice from Rostropovich) re-christening it as the Sinfonia Concertante. This live recording also features two solo encores by Tcherepnin and Crumb. Written in a similar time period as the Prokofiev, they provide a fascinating look at the contrasting styles in use by composers in the post-war years.