Shostakovich: Cello Concerto No.1 / Symphony No.5

Les Dissonances work with David Grimal, international soloists, musicians from the greatest French and international orchestras, and also talented young artists who are just embarking on their careers. In this laboratory of ideas, conceived as a collective of musicians, David Grimal and his friends experience music as a joy rediscovered and tackle the symphonic repertory in the spirit of chamber music without conductor.

A multi-talented and fully-accomplished musician, Xavier Phillips has performed for 20 years on the most prestigious stages all over the world. He plays as soloist or in chamber music and is also committed in teaching. Since 2011, Xavier Phillips has joined Les Dissonances for orchestral and quartet's projects. In December 2014, he performed as soloist with Les Dissonances the Shostakovich's 1st cello concerto, and in January 2016, inside the orchestra, the 5th symphony by the same composer. These two live-recordings pay tribute to Shostakovich and to one of his most fervent performers. The cellist Mstislav Rostropovitch, first performer and dedicatee of the two cello concertos by Shostakovich, was also Xavier Phillips' mentor. Xavier Phillips delivers his memories of this giant musician in an interview illustrated with archive pictures included in this set.