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The Prom of Peace
Paul Gambaccini recalls classic concerts. In 1968, as Russian tanks entered Prague, Mstislav Rostropovich played Dvorak's Cello Concerto at the Proms.
Series in which Paul Gambaccini recalls classic concerts.
On August 21, 1968, Russian tanks entered Czechoslovakia to put an end to Alexander Dubcek's Prague Spring. An extraordinary irony saw the Soviet State Symphony Orchestra making its debut at the Proms on the same day in a programme featuring Czech composer Antonin Dvorak's Cello Concerto. The performance by soloist Mstislav Rostropovich remains one of the greatest ever live recordings of the piece.
Last on
Wed 15 Aug 201801:30
BBC Radio 4 Extra
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