Edward Elgar

Concerto for Cello in E minor, op. 85

Considered the last notable work of Sir Edward Elgar (1857-1934), his Cello Concerto is a cornerstone of the solo violoncello repertoire. Composed in the aftermath of World War I, it premiered in October of 1919. The premier was reportedly quite the debacle, as Elgar (as director) and the performers of the London Symphony Orchestra had not been allotted proper rehearsal time from director Albert Coates, who overran his rehearsal time at Elgar's expense. Composed in the summer of 1919, the first theme supposedly came to Elgar during a dangerous procedure to remove an infected tonsil. Upon waking from sedation, he asked for a pencil and paper and began sketching out the melody. The Cello Concerto did not achieve popularity until the 1960's, where a recording by renowned cellist Jacqueline du Pré made it into a classical best-seller, driving a popularity that remains through today. Instrumentation: 2(2dPicc[opt]).2.2.2: 4.2.3.1[opt]: Timp: Str (9-8-7-6-5 in set): Solo Cello.