Anton Rubinstein: Cello Concerto No. 1, 2

Anton Rubinstein

Rubinstein on the podium as portrayed by Ilya Repin.

 Cello Concerto No. 1 in A minor, Op. 65

I. Moderato con moto 0:00
II. Adagio 12:12
III. Allegro con fuoco 22:15

Werner Thomas-Mifune, cello
Bamberg Symphony Orchestra
Yuri Ahronovich, conductor

He also composed a large number of other works, including five piano concertos, two cello concertos,

a violin concerto, six symphonies and a large number of solo piano works along with a substantial output of works for chamber ensemble. Rubinstein chose to write in an early-Romantic Germanic style and did not exploit the native characteristics of Russian music in his work until relatively late in his career, and in only a handful of compositions, including the 5th Symphony, 2nd Cello Concerto and Caprice Russe for piano and orchestra.

After Rubinstein's death, his works began to lose popularity, although his piano concerti remained in the repertoire in Europe until the First World War, and his principal works have retained a toehold in the Russian concert repertoire. Over recent years, his work has been performed a little more often both in Russia and abroad, and has often met with positive criticism. Amongst his better known works are the opera The Demon, his Piano Concerto No. 4, and his Symphony No. 2, known as The Ocean

Cello Concerto No 2 in D minor, Op. 96

I. Allegro moderato
II. Andante 11:19
III. Allegro - Moderato - Allegro vivace 16:45