Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No. 2 in G minor, Op. 126

“Whereas Müller-Schott and Kreizberg view the Concerto as a darkly contemplative monologue that is almost suffocating in its brooding introspection, Wispelwey manages to find more light and shade and greater emotional contrast in the solo part.” BBC Music Magazine, September 2008 *****

“As Daniel Müller-Schott intimates in his own perceptive booklet note for this release, the two Shostakovich cello concertos, although separated by just seven years, inhabit very different worlds. Müller-Schott reflects this in his cello-playing: where No 1 still has an element of post-Stalinist optimism about it, to No 2 he brings home the desperation of the composer's situation, beset with heart and neurological illness. The soloist is set well forward in the aural picture, which emphasises Müller-Schott's eloquent tone and expression, but Yakov Kreizberg and his orchestra play their own part, with particularly vivid percussion in the Second Concerto. A gripping disc.” Matthew Rye, Daily Telegraph, 28th June 2008

“Müller-Schott manages the singular trick of keeping his cello tone rich and gorgeous without lessening the music’s ability to stab the heart. Listen to his lonely eloquence as he climbs up the first concerto’s second movement, and the eerie shiverings at its peak, when cello harmonics join hands with the celesta in an unearthly duet. The second concerto receives an equally febrile performance.” The Times, 27th June 2008 ****

“The dark-hued and deeply introspective Second remains an elusive, enigmatic work, and it's Daniel Müller-Schott's masterly performance of that which makes this disc especially impressive. Müller-Schott studied the two concertos with Rostropovich, but his tempi for the second are much slower than his teacher's so that the work's sombre subtext - the soloist as the creative artist, pitted against the repression of the Soviet state represented by the orchestra - is impossible to ignore with a finale that ends, like Shostakovich's 15th Symphony, with the death rattle of ticking percussion. Yakov Kreizberg and the Bavarian Radio Symphony provide outstanding support.” The Guardian, 18th July 2008 **** (on the Second Concerto)

“From the very outset, there's a real sense of urgency about the performance, Müller-Schott's razor-sharp articulation in the outer movements managing to combine rhythmic incisiveness with highly charged delivery. The orchestra under Yakov Kreizberg provide superb support throughout. If anything the Second Concerto is even more impressive.” BBC Music Magazine, Proms 2008 *****

"In the First Concerto, Heinrich Schiff's excellent version with the Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra under Shostakovich can hold its own against most opposition ... I like the recording very much: it is totally natural yet very clear ... Recommended with enthusiasm." Gramophone

"Kliegel manages to convey a feeling of spontaneous improvisation and her command of the instrument is impressive. Naxos's recording is nicely ambient." - Gramophone - Oct.1996

“I've always been deeply interested, indeed passionate, about helping and supporting young talent. Marc-André Dalbavie, the prince of French composers, introduced Dimitri to me. I listened to him and found all the elements for a career in music.” Christoph Eschenbach on Dimitri Maslennikov

“any recording as stylish and confident as this new one … is welcome” – International Record Review