The way he plays the first movement effortlessly at 1,5 times my tempo feels almost insulting lol. And on top of that he still has that unique style, it's incredible.
Listen to no2 which was written for him and is both his greatest recording and will never be surpassed. I was privileged to participate in masterclasses with Mr Shafran a very long time ago, an experience I will always remember. So great to play Shostakovich for a great cellist who played it with Shostakovich. Such a nice man and was still practicing every day until his fingers bled. His bow technique was weird and brilliant. He tried to show me how to do down bow spiccatos - 4 to a bow, right in one of my classes - I crashed and burned and promised to try in my own time.
Загнали темп в Аллегро, оркестр и солист едва поспевают друг за другом, звучит неестественно... А музыка-то прекрасная, самобытная! Не понимаю, почему этот концерт считается студенческим?.. Посвящение Советской Молодёжи ещё не означает, что рослым музыкантам его играть не подобает.
The touching slow movement is the highlight of this amiable, lightweight, but not too memorable concerto. It is not as impressive as his Second 'Cello Concerto (the First was written for student performers), not to mention the two great ones by Shostakovich, which are in a different world from Kabalevsky's more conventional, less emotionally-probing ones.
+ronald b woodall I'd disagree. It may be a student concerto but it's a memorable one: I wouldn't mind hearing it played for $60+ bucks or whatever the ticket price is to hear it. I think it's very memorable.
+0hm0haha Yes, I think the whole quirkiness of the piece makes it quite fun to listen to. It's the lightness of it all that makes it memorable. Even though it's a bit easier than some of the big concerti out there, it would still do well in a concert hall.
I adore this piece, and prefer it to the second one. So many fantastic tunes, and gorgeous harmonies. This is played far too fast though which is a real shame.
