Search - Pablo Casals, Elgar, Haydn :: Pablo Casals plays Elgar, Boccherini, Bruch and others

Casals's may not be a first choice for the Elgar, but his free-wheeling interpretation holds strong fascination. The glorious opening statement of the cello is like no other, full of rhythmically wayward inflections and held notes, but somehow it works, drawing you into the music and capturing the elegiac, brooding nature of the score. Casals really shines in the Adagio movement, playing with rapt commitment and tonal variety. Adrian Boult's understanding orchestral support contributes to the successful results. The Haydn, from the same 1945 sessions, was never completed and is missing its last movement, but Casals's Romantic treatment, however unidiomatic, is compelling. The other pieces date from 1936, and all benefit from Ward Marston's excellent transfers. --Dan Davis