Pierre Fournier - Dvorák: Cello Concerto / Bloch: Schelomo / Bruch: Kol Nidrei (1989)

Another legendary George Szell recording, this time partnering him with Pierre Fournier, the magnificent French cellist. At the very beginning of his career, Szell recorded this concerto in Prague with the Czech Philharmonic and none other than Pablo Casals. That recording, made around 1938, is still available. This stereo remake with the Berlin Philharmonic shows both artists at the very peak of their form. The the couplings, too, are uniquely appealing. That this compelling performance is available on DG's budget line underscores one of the great peculiarities of the classical music business. In case you haven't noticed, there is no relationship at all between quality of performance and price. So what are you waiting for? -- David Hurwitz