As long as there's an England, these performances of Schubert's "Arpeggione" Sonata, Schumann's Fünf Stücke im Volkston, and Debussy's Cello Sonata will always be available. Played by the great Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich and the English sometimes pianist and full-time great composer Benjamin Britten, these performances from 1961 and 1968 showcase the latter's uniquely English ability to play with, play around, play over, play under, and play through a soloist. This is not to say that Rostropovich isn't a huge ...
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As long as there's an England, these performances of Schubert's "Arpeggione" Sonata, Schumann's Fünf Stücke im Volkston, and Debussy's Cello Sonata will always be available. Played by the great Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich and the English sometimes pianist and full-time great composer Benjamin Britten, these performances from 1961 and 1968 showcase the latter's uniquely English ability to play with, play around, play over, play under, and play through a soloist. This is not to say that Rostropovich isn't a huge presence. With his big tone, his strong technique, and his commanding personality, the player is instantly and always identifiable as the late, great Russian whether in the lyrical Schubert, the whimsical Schumann, or the evanescent Debussy. But it is to say that Britten is just as huge a presence. With his subtle tone, his nuanced technique, and his ingenious personality, Britten sometimes blends with Rostropovich, sometimes stand apart from Rostropovich, sometimes supports...
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