Search - Elgar, Watkins, BBC Philharmonic Orch :: Cello Concerto & Others

Paul Watkins is the cello soloist in a recording that showcases some of Elgar's most popular works. He is accompanied by the BBC Philharmonic and Sir Andrew Davis, a conductor steeped in the English music tradition. The Cello Concerto in E minor, written in 1918 - 19, was the last major work Elgar completed. Its mood is often described as `autumnal', and highly reflective of the ageing composer's own state of mind. Paul Watkins writes of his experience of recording this work: `It is a privilege to have the opportunity to add my voice to the many different interpretations of this iconic work. I prepared for this recording by using my experience as a conductor: in other words, to study Elgar's masterful score as deeply as possible, and to realise how intimately the solo cello is linked to the orchestra throughout. In this respect I feel fortunate to have been working with Sir Andrew Davis. He is the most natural and intelligent interpreter of Elgar I know.'