07_mahler1-10Wagner – Prelude; Elgar - Cello Concerto; Brahms - Symphony 1

Alisa Weilerstein; Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra; Daniel Barenboim

EuroArts DVD 2058068 or 2058064 Blu-ray

I ordered this disc to hear a new performance of the Elgar. The Brahms enjoys a satisfying, substantial performance but does not quite displace the top few favourites. Recorded live in the Sheldonian Theatre, Oxford in 2010 it is the performance of the Elgar that sets new standards in every respect.

The premier of the profoundly beautiful Elgar Cello Concerto in 1919 was a fiasco. Elgar had not been given enough time to adequately or even inadequately rehearse the London Symphony Orchestra. Cellist Felix Salmond knew his part but the orchestra was unprepared. The critics were merciless and Elgar wanted to withdraw the work but Salmond’s devotion to the score persuaded him otherwise.

The first recording was of a truncated version with cellist Beatrice Harrison conducted by Elgar in 1920. She recorded the complete score with Elgar and the LSO in 1928. The sensitive and fragile nature of the music seems to particularly suit female performers. This is best demonstrated by the young Jacqueline du Pré, who recorded it in 1965 with cellist-turned-conductor, Sir John Barbirolli and the LSO for EMI. She tuned the world into Elgar’s most introspective statement. As an aside, Barbirolli was in the cello section of the LSO in the disastrous 1919 premier.

Who could have imagined that du Pré’s mantle would have passed to Alisa Weilerstein. Weilerstein was born in 1982 and has played cello since she was four. Her father founded the Cleveland Quartet and was concert-master of the Cleveland Orchestra. Her mother is a professional pianist and well known in musical circles. In the performance captured on this video, she plays the concerto with such assurance that it sounds like she owns it. Her musicality, sensitivity and competency as a performer are complemented by a strong, electrifying stage presence. She is at one with her instrument. A paragon. Her rapport with Barenboim and the Berliners is splendid and the performance is nothing short of spectacular, certainly worth many listenings. Unquestionably, a must have. Do it now.

Editor's note: Alisa Weilerstein receives MacArthur Fellowship - Alisa Weilerstein will receive $500,000 in no-strings-attached support over the next five years after being named as a MacArthur Fellow. The 29-year-old cellist was awarded the so-called “genius” grant by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation.

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