Benjamin Britten (1913-1976) was a renowned British composer, conductor and pianist celebrated for his significant contributions to 20th-century classical music. Born in Lowestoft, Suffolk, in the United Kingdom, Britten demonstrated prodigious musical talent from a young age, which led to his studies at the Royal College of Music in London. His prolific career encompassed a wide array of compositions, including operas, orchestral works, chamber music and choral pieces.
Mstislav Rostropovich (1927-2007) was a legendary Russian cellist, conductor and humanitarian, widely regarded as one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century. Born in Baku, Azerbaijan SSR and raised in a musical family, Rostropovich studied at the Moscow Conservatory where he quickly gained prominence for his extraordinary technique and expressive playing. His collaborations with prominent composers, such as Shostakovich and Prokofiev significantly expanded the cello repertoire. Besides his career as a remarkable performer, Rostropovich was a fervent advocate for human rights, often using his fame to speak out against political oppression, which led to his exile from the Soviet Union in 1974.
Mstislav Rostropovich and Benjamin Britten had a long-standing musical friendship that resulted in the composer writing several major pieces for the cellist. Britten, who did not perform in public very frequently, made exceptions for his friend Rostropovich. Britten’s piano teacher, Frank Bridge, played a crucial role in shaping his musical style. The special nature of the relationship between Britten, Rostropovich, Bridge, and their music is palpable; Britten makes his piano a seamless extension of Rostropovich’s cello performance, following, enhancing, but never overshadowing the lead. Rostropovich‘s lead, in turn, is simply flawless. But it is perhaps in the music of Schubert where we get to hear Britten the accompanist at his very best. Britten takes all the time in the world more than any other pianist in this passage but expresses himself wonderfully. In the faster music, the pair can be likened to dancers in hold, Rostropovich taking the lead but Britten shadowing and complementing his every move.
Cut directly from the original analog master tapes, through our unique all valve 1965 Ortofon / Lyrec vinyl cutting system in stereo. No equalisation, compression or any other processing was added during the cutting process.
All sleeve artwork letter-pressed and hand made.
This edition of 300 copies is priced at £395.00 UK pounds. Order here.
Original master tapes.
Original sleeve.
