DVORAK: Complete Compositions for Cello and Piano - Jiří Bárta, Jan Čech (2 CDs)

As the latest instalment in its long-term project of complete works by Dvořák, Supraphon is now presenting the world premiere recording of the original version of the composer's Cello Concerto No. 1 in A major, for the combination of cello and piano. The work dates from the fruitful year of 1865 which likewise saw the production of Dvořák's first two symphonies and the song cycle, Cypresses. Although it is unlikely ever to equal in terms of either fame or popularity his Second Concerto, it does represent an important document of the process of creative maturing of a composer who was yet to attain worldwide renown. Not only is this the work's first ever recording; it is also the large-scale composition's first complete performance, presented without cuts and changes, exactly as it was left to posterity by Dvořák in his autograph score. It is coupled here by a representative assortment of Dvořák's popular pieces for cello and piano. Drawing on the artistic experience and mastery of the cello virtuoso Jiří Bárta, here is an account not to be missed by any real aficionado of that special kind of introspective velvety poetry embodied by cello music.

CD 1
Antonín Dvořák
Concerto for Cello and Piano in A major, sine Op. (B. 10)
1. Andante 24:25
2. Andante cantabile 09:46
3. Allegro risoluto 21:39

CD 2
Antonín Dvořák
Polonaise for Cello and Piano in A major
1. Allegro moderato 08:26
Antonín Dvořák
Rondo for Cello and Piano in G minor, Op. 94
2. Allegretto grazioso 07:48
Antonín Dvořák
Silent Woods for Cello and Piano, Op. 68, No. 5
3. Lento e molto cantabile 06:13
Antonín Dvořák
Slavonic Dances, Series I., Op. 46
4. in G minor (Presto). Furiant 04:41
Antonín Dvořák
Slavonic Dances, Series I., Op. 46
5. in A flat major (Poco allegro). Polka 04:26