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János Starker plays Hindemith · Prokofiev · Rautavaara

Year recorded

1971, 1975

Year published

2018

Composer

Einojuhani Rautavaara

Paul Hindemith

Sergej Prokofjew

Artists

János Starker

Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart des SWR

SWR Sinfonieorchester Baden-Baden und Freiburg

Andreas von Lukacsy

Ernest Bour

Herbert Blomstedt

Tracks

Tr. 1 Paul Hindemith: Cello Concerto for Violoncello and Orchestra

Tr. 4 Sergej Prokofjew: Symphony-Concerto e minor op. 125 for Violoncello and Orchestra

Tr. 7 Einojuhani Rautavaara: Concerto No. 1 op. 41 for Violoncello and Orchestra

János Starker was without doubt one of the great cellists of the 20th century. These three impressive 20th-century cello concertos are rarely performed. Another album with legendary performers from the SWR archives. Re-release of an SWR music bestseller (94.227).

Among the legendary cello virtuosos of the twentieth century, János Starker was the most flawless, unrivalled in the way he constantly combined technical perfection, focused sound, exciting expression and objective conception. Starker dedicated himself to repertoire from Bach to the modern classics, as well as intently promoting new music. His playing is often described as a “mixture of fire and ice”, characterised by an indomitable, forward-driving power and a linear tension that leaves no room for self-indulgence. János Starker was one of the greatest cellists, whose performances have permanent value, as these recordings demonstrate.

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