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During the period 1901-1940 a total of 216 cello
concertos were identified, of which 63 (29%) have been recorded and 153
appear to be unrecorded. There was a clear increase in the number of
compositions towards the end of the period. Elgar’s concerto is much the best known and most recorded work of the
period but there are many other worthwhile recorded works, as shown by
the recommendations below. Amongst the unrecorded works, I would be most
interested in being able to hear Moór’s first concerto, Grädener’s two
(his two violin concertos have been recorded by Toccata), Murrill’s
first and the works by Bortkiewicz, Diamond and Lennox Berkeley.
Recommendations
Atterberg Late romanticism at its best, as delivered by
Truls Mřrk.
Bridge A very fine work of which
Steven Isserlis is a compelling exponent, and he has also recorded it for
BIS.
Bürger A major discovery very well played by
Maya Beiser. The heart-rending slow movement was written in memory
of the composer’s mother who died at the hands of the Nazis.
This recording is only available as a physical CD.
Delius Not as well-known as his violin concerto, this is still fine Delius and I find
Raphael Wallfisch very convincing.
Elgar
Jacqueline du Pré’s performance with Barbirolli remains at the top
of the pile for me but there are other ways of playing the work and
Robert Cohen’s first recording is very satisfying.
Pablo Casals with Boult in 1945 would be my historical choice.
Foulds A composer whose music is well-worthy
of its 21st century revival, and another
discovery from
Raphael Wallfisch.
Foerster A relatively brief and mellow work,
Jirí Bárta is completely inside this music.
Jeral His concerto is well worthy of its
revival by
Orfeo Mandozzi.
Hovhaness An early work, perhaps not
completely typical of the composer but, as played by
János Starker, satisfying nonetheless.
Martinů Plenty of choice here but
Raphael Wallfisch’s disc of both concertos and the concertino is
hard to beat.
Moór His second concerto is a substantial
and delightful four-movement work. It is hard to imagine it being better
done than by
Péter Szabó.
Röntgen All three of his concertos are worth
hearing but the second particularly so in the performance by
Gregor Horsch.
Sćverud A surprisingly jazzy work which has
only seenthe light of day fairly recently thanks to
Robert Rřnnes (who reconstructed it) and
Truls Mřrk.
Toch A very interesting four movement work
that has been recorded several times.
Susanne Müller-Hornbach’s performance is compelling.
Tovey Despite its length, this does not
outstay its welcome and
Alice Neary is a fine soloist.
Weigl A much underrated composer, his cello
music has been recently brought to life by
Raphael Wallfisch.
