Shostakovich: Cello Concertos, Yo-Yo Ma, Andres Nelson’s, Boston Symphony Orchestra
Generally, this reviewer is partial to the music of Shostakovich. The composer’s two cello concertos, however, heard by for the first time by me, in this well-recorded, well-played release, left me cold. Aside from a few pretty measures here and there, this is some of the dullest music ever heard by your Tatler.
The entertaining liner notes give a possible explanation why these pieces fail to move. The composer’s son Maxim relates his father wrote both concertos for his friend, the legendary Mstisilav Rostropovich, who was at hand during during most of composing of the works, and that when the two chums were together their conversations were “often lubricated by vodka.” Alcohol does not always bring out the best in one’s artistry, at least not in the case of this occasional musician’s experience.
The Taos Tatler 