Shostakovich and Dvořák were both masters in injecting folk materials into their music, yielding new ideas and innovative approaches. Written specifically for Rostropovich, Shostakovich’s Cello Concerto No.1 contains many novel elements in structure and thematic materials and has become a modern classic of the genre. Dvořák’s Symphony No.8 projects Bohemian colors and sentiments, reflecting the composer’s passion for his country, its people and the culture.