Composed for the virtuosic cellist Mstislav Rostropovich, the coupling and contrasting of these two arresting works is irresistible: the anti-heroic, relentless, emotionally suppressed First Concerto set alongside the sarcasm and isolation of the Second.

Weilersteins interpretation is underpinned by her meeting Rostropovich a close friend of the composer when she was 22, playing Shostakovich for him and absorbing his advice and wisdom.

Her outstanding rapport with conductor Pablo Heras-Casado and the Symphonieorchester Bayerischen Rundfunks is evident in this new recording.

“Weilerstein follows outstanding Decca recordings of the Elgar and Dvorak concertos with this pairing, which illustrates her depth and range…Heras-Casado and the Bavarians match the sardonic bite of her playing: this is one of the best accounts ever recorded of a work we don’t hear often enough in concert.” (Sunday Times, UK)

“Pablo Heras-Casado is accompanied by the fabulous Bavarian Radio Symphony Orchestra which is in every respect lean and transparent, phrasing with the soloist in one breath. It has become a purification in the best sense of the word that sheds new light on these two such important musical creations of the 20th century. A little bit of nostalgia and sense of romantic history form the beautiful finishing touch of the recording.”