Elgar's Cello Concerto Premiered in 1919

The concerto did not achieve widespread popularity until the 1960s when a recording by Jacqueline du Pre caught public attention and became a classical best-seller

One of the most popular cello concertos today, Elgar wrote the work in 1919 after the Great War. Distraught from the aftershock, he realized life in Europe would not remain the same. This specific moment in time inspired the writing of his intimate, passionate concerto that is unlike anything else he ever wrote. It was also the last full-scale orchestral work he completed.

The first performance was given by Felix Salmond, with Elgar conducting the London Symphony Orchestra.

The premiere did not go well due to Elgar and the orchestra not having enough rehearsal time. The conductor for the rest of the program exceeded his rehearsal schedule for other pieces, leaving little time for Elgar to prepare the orchestra. “Never has so great an orchestra made so lamentable an exhibition of itself,” noted a leading critic at the time.

JACQEULINE DU PRE | ELGAR CELLO CONCERTO IN E MINOR  | DANIEL BARENBOIM & NEW PHILHARMONIA ORCHESTRA