Walton, Shostakovich: Cello Concertos (2011)

Completing his four-disc series combing concertos of England and Russia, cellist Jamie Walton closes with two concertos written for two of the greatest cellists of the last century. William Walton's concerto was written for the Russian cellist Piatigorsky who insisted for many years that the original ending of the concerto was far too bleak and downtrodden, requesting again and again that Walton revamp the ending. Nearly two decades later, Piatigorsky got his wish when Walton made a 22-measure change to the last movement. ... Read More

Completing his four-disc series combing concertos of England and Russia, cellist Jamie Walton closes with two concertos written for two of the greatest cellists of the last century. William Walton's concerto was written for the Russian cellist Piatigorsky who insisted for many years that the original ending of the concerto was far too bleak and downtrodden, requesting again and again that Walton revamp the ending. Nearly two decades later, Piatigorsky got his wish when Walton made a 22-measure change to the last movement. Few are aware of this alteration; Walton is the first to record this alternate version, which appears with a bonus track of the 1956 original, allowing listeners to make their own determination. Following Walton's concerto is the venerable Shostakovich First Concerto, one of the titans of the literature written for Rostropovich. In both cases, and throughout his four-disc survey, Walton's playing is simply remarkable. Though he does not have the same powerful, forceful sound as... Read Less