Torleif Thedéen, the cellist on this recording, achieved international breakthrough in 1985 by winning three major prizes, including the Hammer-Rostropovitch prize.
Composition History
Robert Schumann composed his Cello Concerto in a remarkably short period of fifteen days, from October 10th to 24th, 1850.
Compositional Technique
Elgar's Cello Concerto features a unique scherzo movement where the cello is pursued by one orchestral instrument after another, creating a wild and joyful ride.
Compositional Technique
For his Cello Concerto, Schumann limited the wind section to double woodwind, two horns, two trumpets, and timpani, notably omitting a second pair of horns to avoid overwhelming the cello.
Composer Biography
Schumann's Cello Concerto was not published until 1854, when the composer was already in a mental clinic, and it was never performed during his lifetime.
Instruments
The cello used in this recording was made by David Tecchler in 1711, and the bow by Victor Fétique of Paris.
Critical Reception
Elgar's famous "Pomp and Circumstance March No. 1" led some musical experts to categorize him as a "musical hermaphrodite" – too light for serious music, but too serious for light music.
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