Fred Gaisberg, HMV's artistic director, was instrumental in persuading Pablo Casals to make records again, having previously produced his trio recordings and arranged for him to be recorded as a conductor.
Recording & Production
Pablo Casals, the cellist, had not made an electrical recording as a soloist with orchestra since March 1930 until the 1936 sessions for this album.
Historical Context
Following World War II, Pablo Casals decided to boycott public performances in any country that acknowledged the Franco regime in Spain, due to his opposition to fascism.
Recording & Production
The Elgar Cello Concerto recording sessions in 1945 took an entire day, leaving only a morning session for the Haydn Concerto, which resulted in only two movements being recorded.
Critical Reception
Pablo Casals's initial London performance of the Elgar Cello Concerto in 1936 was almost unanimously criticized, but by 1945, reviews were glowing.
Performer Biography
Pablo Casals made his American debut with the Haydn Cello Concerto in D in 1904, performing it three days later for President Theodore Roosevelt at the White House.
