The renowned Russian cellist Mstislav Rostropovich performs Tchaikovsky's 'Rococo Variations' at the Snape Maltings Concert Hall in 1968, with Benjamin Britten conducting. Also included are rare performances of Britten conducting excerpts from his opera 'Gloriana', with Peter Pears performing 'The Lute Song'.

Peter Rosen directs this documentary profile of the great Russian composer. The film charts the life of the composer, and examines the balancing act Khachaturian he had to perform between his role as an active member of the communist party, and that of a champion of artistic freedom. The film, also includes a performance of the Concerto-Rhapsody for Cello and Orchestra performed by Mstislav Rostropovich.

Mstislav Rostropovich is soloist and conductor of the Academy of St. Martin- In-Ihe-Fields in these superb readings. Recorded at London's Henry Wood Hall.