C. P E. Bach, Vivaldi, Tartini: Cello Concertos  (Audio CD) 
by Mstislav Rostropovich

Rostropovich has the cello crying with melodics, intonation and his masterful skills. The sound cries so much that the soul is satiated yet wants encores. I have heard beautiful chanting and string performances before. The only parallel I can relate to is Richard Tucker chanting High Holy Day prayers: With all his soul and mystical magic provided by a higher power.

The Saint Paul Orchestra, lead by Hugo Wolff is the fitting instrument for Rostropovich. The result is synergistic majesty.

How can I say that the Vivaldi sounds better or less than Tartini or CPE? I can't. As a Rostropovich lover, hearing him play or conduct any sour notes is indeed rare. Here, all notes are "on."

The only possible disappointment might be we only hear 53.54. Should another concerto been added? A beautiful picture can be revisted at will. The repeat button allows for a greater appreciation with each replay. This is one time I wish the scores would be handy so they could be followed as he performs. This would help understand the composers as each wrote their concerto. But, Rostropovich has studied their origins well.

This CD is the "real thing." Come back to the master. Cello lovers and appreciators of good music, regardless of genre will cherish this CD forever. Teldec/BMG's recorders used all their skills to match Rostropovich.

This is a heart stirring "must hold" sharing. Buy and play it. Your rating may be higher.

Alan D. Kardoff, Melbourne FL

7 of 8 found the following review helpful:

Rostropovich does it again.  Jun 06, 1999
This is the cd that inspired me to like classical music in the first place, and to like cello best among the instruments. Leaves you dying to hear more of Vivaldi's cello concertos (which he wrote hundreds of). A definite good buy.