Up to 37% in savings when you subscribe to hi-fi+

Begin typing your search above and press return to search. Press Esc to cancel.

Dvorak: Cello Concertos

Dvorak: Cello Concertos

I’m a big fan of Dvorák’s Cello Concertos (especially the B Minor) and have liked Isserlis cello work for years. He claims it’s taken almost 40 years to take on the Dvorák.

It’s a bold, intense and speedy version of the B Minor, and this is refreshing. Isserlis is capable of moments of great pathos, but also of using the instrument as a power tool, unleashing it in the way a Romantic concerto requires. The Concerto in A (revised and orchestrated by Günther Raphael) is often something of an afterthought, but here it stands out in its own right as a melodious and neglected work. Between them stands the short, poignant ‘Lasst Mich Allein’ (arranged for orchestra by Leopold), which has its echoes in the second movement of the B Minor concerto.

Musically, the balance between cello and chamber orchestra works well, and the vitality of the playing almost always comes across. However, it seems Hyperion raced through this (the notes suggest a two-day session) and the tone of the B Minor in particular is muddied and the orchestra seems muted and distant. The Concerto in A fares much better and is as breezy as the music. 

Read Next From Music

See all
Jesse Malin. Photo by Vivian Wang
MUSIC

Music Interview: Jesse Malin

Sean Hannam speaks to former D-Generation glam punk frontman, Jesse Malin, who 20 years ago pursued a solo career with The Fine Art of Self-Destruction. It's time for a revisit.

Music Interview: Judith Owen
MUSIC

Music Interview: Judith Owen

Sean Hannam speaks to British jazz and blues singer Judith Owen, who draws inspiration from ‘unapologetic’ female artists like Pearl Bailey and Blossom Deary. Go beyond the Great American Songbook!

Music Interview: David Arnold
MUSIC

Music Interview: David Arnold

To celebrate 60 years of Bond movies – and the launch of Bowers & WIlkins' new Px8 007 Edition headphones – Sean Hannam speaks to legendary Bond movie soundtrack composer David Arnold.

Music Interview: Leah Weller
MUSIC

Music Interview: Leah Weller

We speak to Leah Weller – former model turned singer-songwriter, mother, and daughter of Paul Weller and the Style Council’s Dee C. Lee – about the launch of her new album, Freedom.

Sign Up To Our Newsletter