Lynn Harrell, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Gerard Schwarz - Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No. 2 / Prokofiev: Symphony-Concerto (2006)

If Prokofiev's Symphony-Concerto for cello and orchestra and Shostakovich's Second Concerto for cello and orchestra had heretofore seemed to be late works shot through with nostalgia and bitterness, that's certainly entirely understandable. Rostropovich, the works' dedicatee who gave both their world premieres, played them that way in his recorded performances and most subsequent cellists have naturally followed his lead. Not so, Lynn Harrell: in this 2005 recording, he sounds robust, big-hearted, and not a bit bitter. Harrell's technique is polished and refined, his intonation is warm and honest, and his tone is rich and creamy from bottom to top. When Prokofiev or Shostakovich's themes are angular or even anguished, Harrell makes the crooked lines straight and the rough place plain. And when Prokofiev or Shostakovich's themes are lyrical or even melodic, Harrell makes them sing with full-throated expressivity and deeply lyrical emotionality. Imagine a more muscular and overtly emotional Yo-Yo Ma and you'll have some idea what to expect. With the expert support of Gerard Schwarz and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic, Harrell makes a persuasive case for the composers going to their graves with grace and dignity. Avie's sound is clean, close, and deep.