by Blair Sanderson
Even though many decades have passed since Gregor Piatigorsky performed Dvorák's Cello Concerto in B minor and Walton's Cello Concerto with Charles Münch and the Boston Symphony Orchestra, his recordings still stand as profound achievements, rarely if ever matched for passionate expression, timbral clarity, and technical fluency. This reissue in RCA's superb Living Stereo line is most welcome -- indeed, its inclusion is de rigueur -- for these recordings truly represent the high performance standards and technical advances for which the label has been esteemed. Piatigorsky's 1960 performance of Dvorák's concerto is deeply moving for its humane warmth and Romantic intensity; Münch, at the peak of his powers, draws brilliant colors and full textures from the glorious BSO. Walton's concerto -- dedicated to Piatigorsky and premiered by him -- is more subdued and mysterious, and the work provides a striking contrast to Dvorák's vigor and ebullience. Piatigorsky brings out Walton's dark-toned lyricism with richness and delicacy, and this 1957 recording overflows with fine details and magical colors. The recording quality is superb, and the depth of sound is satisfying without studio enhancements.