The Dvořák Cello Concerto in B Minor is well-known, both to cellists and concert goers alike. A work of surpassing beauty and Dvořák’s signature melodies, it was originally supposed to be premiered by Dvořák’s good friend, Hanuš Wihan. However there were, as usual, scheduling difficulties and Wihan was unavailable. Another cellist, Englishman Leo Stern, was chosen but Dvořák was unconvinced. Stern however took one look at the score and, wanting to perform it so much, he resorted to bribery. He sent Dvořák two rare pigeons in an effort to convince him (pigeons being a passion of Dvořák’s). It obviously worked as he premièred the work to great acclaim in March of 1896.

Steven Isserlis is one of the world’s leading solo cellists and chamber musicians, and has finally decided to tackle this seminal work. If you’ve ever had the opportunity to hear Isserlis live you’ll know exactly what I’m talking about – with his astounding technique and a musical mastery I couldn’t wait to hear his interpretation. In this new release from Hyperion he joins with frequent collaborators Daniel Harding and the Mahler Chamber Orchestra. They work seamlessly together, and I love the shifts in mood as Dvořák flings the melodies around the cello, with moments of dark and light in startling contrast. Not only does Isserlis feature the glorious B Minor Concerto but includes the ‘lost’ A Major Concerto from 1865. In its original format it was longwinded and unorchestrated but after it was rediscovered in the 1920s, composer Günter Raphael heavily revised it for performance.

The result is something spectacular. It is still clearly Dvořák, but tightened around the edges and a true delight to listen to. Isserlis obviously has a lot of fun with this concerto, having the freedom to express the heart of the music straight to the listener.

Kate Rockstrom