Schubert / Bridge

SONATA for Arpeggione and Piano / SONATA for Cello and Piano

Played by Mstislav Rostropovich and Benjamin Britten

Schubert: SONATA in A minor for Arpeggione and Piano, D. 821
First movement: Allegro moderato
Second movement: Adagio
Third movement: Allegretto
BRIDGE: SONATA for Cello and Piano
First movement: Allegro ben moderato
Second movement: Adagio ma non troppo' Molto allegro e agitato

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.

Released: End of July 2024

Stereo LP - Catalogue Number. ERC108
Edition of 300.
ERC will not undertake a repress of any release at any future point.