Albert Coates Many of today's most important works for cello and orchestra initially had to overcome considerable obstacles: Haydn's concertos fell into oblivion or were questioned, while the works of Schumann and Dvořák met with criticism. Tchaikovsky himself considered his Variations a failure.
Elgar's Cello Concerto had a disastrous premiere in London in 1919. Felix Salmond was the soloist, but conductor Albert Coates significantly hampered the performance. The press reacted scathingly, Salmond subsequently left Great Britain, and Elgar marked the score with a resigned "RIP."
The particular emotional impact of Elgar's concerto is further intensified by the tragic fates of cellists Beatrice Harrison and Jacqueline du Pré. Elgar's facial expressions betrayed a deep sensitivity, which is reflected in his concerto, considered a poetic expression of melancholy.
Walton's Cello Concerto, on the other hand, tells a story of friendship and love. The work was largely inspired by Gregor Piatigorsky, and the collaboration between Walton and the cellist decisively shaped its creation.
Initially, Walton's concerto was received with some skepticism, as it did not conform to the prevailing notion of modern music at the time. Despite Walton's initial uncertainty, the work possesses a lyricism and poetic power of which he could be proud.
The concerto opens with energy, moves through passionate scherzos, and ends dramatically. At Piatigorsky's request, Walton revised the ending, even though the original version was already complete.