desert island disc

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I walked into Amoeba Berkeley's upstairs classical department one rainy day last winter and asked for a "moody piece with cello."

The guy working there smiled. "I've got just the disc for you."

Decca Legends: Schubert Arpeggione Sonata

Mstislav Rostropovich: Cello
Benjamin Britten: Piano

These are quiet, simple pieces. The kind of music that takes you someplace else, music that you can really 'give your ears to.' If you don't like classical, you still might like this. If you like chamber music...this is "the good stuff"...the kind of cd that lives in your player for a day or two while your appreciation for the art of these two master musicians grows.

Comments

&y said…
Similar vein (though not always quiet and/or simple)...

Holly, based on Leo Kottke's rec at Amazon, gave me the Definitive Recordings of Vladimir Horowitz, "In the Hands of the Master" for Christmas. Jeepers. Instant desert island classic. I can't stop playing these discs. And they make for wonderful "writing music."

So now, on k/o's recommendation, I'll be picking up that Schubert disc. I love me some good cello. Quick question, though... why did you feel you had to specify "moody" cello? Is there any other kind? (I know, I know--I'm just kidding.)
12:22 PM
kid oakland said…
If you like cello...

and don't want "moody"...rrr, lol...

try this "righteous" cello recording:

Shostakovich: Cello Concertos 1 & 2

Truls Mork: Cello
Mariss Jansons concucts the London Philharmonic

Mork "gets" Shostakovich and the cello playing is awesome.....
1:20 PM
Anonymous said…
If you like that Rostropovich, check him with Sviatoslav Richter doing Beethoven (not recommending this site, just pointing to the recording). If you like Beethoven, that is ;-). I once had a moment of Enlightenment listening to this album just as I finished reading "Narcissus and Goldmund" (tried to use italics, but you know Blogger…).
3:08 AM
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