Search - Robert Schumann, Edouard Lalo, Camille Saint-Saens :: Cello Concerto in a Minor (Schumann & Saint-Saens)

These three popular cello concertos are all superbly performed by János Starker, and he's ably accompanied by Antal Dorati and the LSO. The Saint-Saëns concerto is the little jewel here: an expertly crafted and tuneful work in three connected movements. It has elegance and charm, and isn't a moment too long. I'm convinced that the only reason the Lalo gets played as often as it does is that cellists need a logical French coupling for the Saint- Saëns. In all fairness, after the rocky first movement it goes rather well; and the slow movement is particularly charming. Schumann's famous concerto is something of a Starker specialty. A reticent piece, he plays it with genuine passion and strength. --David Hurwitz