Dvořák: Works for Cello & Orchestra

Album review

Is this an "Italian" reading of the Dvořák Cello Concerto in B minor, Op. 104? One hesitates to traffic in national stereotypes, but at many points, it might be called operatic. Veteran cellist Enrico Dindo and the Orchestra della Toscana under conductor Daniele Rustioni certainly are aware that the market was not clamoring for another recording of the Dvořák concerto, and they set out to craft a distinctive reading. Even before Dindo has said a word, Rustioni serves notice of what kind of performance this is going to be: his orchestral exposition is dramatic, discontinuous, and unsettled. When Dindo does appear, his entrance has an unusually strong feeling of a baritone taking the stage and delivering a few recitative-like lines. The slow movement is deeply lyrical, and the finale's march rhythms are strongly emphasized and also seem operatic. This is a varied and sharply detailed Dvořák concerto, and Dindo and company do not neglect the shorter pieces that round out the program, one of which, the song Läßt mich allein, Op. 82, No. 1, is transcribed by Dindo himself. The Rondo in G minor, Op. 94, receives an exceptionally vigorous performance that makes it seem like a dry run for the concerto. This is a deeply satisfying Dvořák recording from some musicians who are not normally associated with the composer.

© James Manheim /TiVo