Have a theological question?

Background:

• Composed after the First World War. It’s contemplative and elegiac. Dedicated to Sidney Colvin and his wife, who were Elgar’s friends.
• Premiered in October 1919. It was a disaster due largely to limited practice opportunities.
• Jacqueline du Pre’s recording in the 1960s caught the public’s imagination and became a classical bestseller.

Recordings:

• Elgar, Walton: Cello Concertos.
  Gautier Capucon.
  London Symphony Orchestra.
  Antonio Pappano.
  Erato.
  Gramophone Magazine (2024): Editor’s Choice.
  Presto Recordings of the Year (2024): Finalist.
  Gramophone Awards (2025): Shortlist Concerto.

• Elgar, Dvorak: Cello Concertos.
  Alban Gerhardt.
  WDR Sinfonieorchester.
  Andrew Manze.
  Hyperion.

• Elgar & Walton: Cello Concertos.
  Steven Isserlis.
  Philharmonia Orchestra.
  Paavo Jarvi.
  Hyperion.
  BBC Music Magazine (2016): Instrumental Choice.
  Gramophone Magazine (2016): Disc of the Month.
  Presto Recording of the Week (2016).
  Presto Recordings of the Year (2016): Finalist.

• Elgar.
  Sheku Kanneh-Mason.
  London Symphony Orchestra.
  Sir Simon Rattle.
  Decca.
  Diapason d’Or (2020): Nouveaute.

• Elgar Viola Concerto (cello concerto transcribed by Lionel Tertis for viola); Bloch Suite for Viola and Orchestra.
  Timothy Ridout (viola).
  BBC Symphony Orchestra.
  Martyn Brabbins.
  Harmonia Mundi.
  Gramophone Magazine (2023): Editor’s Choice.
  Gramophone Awards (2023): Winner Concerto.
  Limelight Magazine (2023): Recording of the Month.
  Presto Recording of the Week (2023).
  Presto Recordings of the Year (2023): Finalist.
  International Classical Music Awards (2024): Nominated Concerto.

• Cello Concerto, Introduction and Allegro, Elegy for Strings, Pomp and Circumstance Marches Nos. 1 – 5.
  Paul Watkins.
  BBC Philharmonic.
  Sir Andres Davis.
  Chandos.
  Gramophone Magazine (2012): Editor’s Choice.

About Coram Deo

Coram Deo — before the face of God. This blog reflects on Scripture, world events, science, music, psychology, and the human mind — always through the lens of Christian faith. All of life is lived before the face of God.