Elgar Conducts Elgar: Cello Concerto (1928) Beatrice Harrison

Sir Edward Elgar
Cello Concerto in E minor, Op.85
I. Adagio - Moderato (0:08)
II. Allegro molto (7:08)
III. Adagio (11:40)
IV. Allegro - Moderato - Allegro, ma non troppo (15:41)
Beatrice Harrison, cellist
Sir Edward Elgar, conductor
London Symphony Orchestra
Recorded on March 23/ April 13, 1928
in London
Sir Edward Elgar had promised to write a Cello Concerto as early as 1900, but did not actually get around to it until 1919. After getting his tonsils removed, the inspiration for the theme in the first movement came to him in the hospital, and he retired to his cottage in Sussex, where he completed the concerto.
The premiere with the London Symphony Orchestra was a disaster as a result of inadequate rehearsal time. The work never actually came into its own until the 1960s, when British cellist Jacqueline Du Pre made her legendary recording of it.
Since that time the work is regarded as Elgar's final masterpiece, and has become one of the most popular and performed cello concertos in the repertoire. We are very fortunate to have such a fine recording with Sir Edward conducting it.
Beatrice Harrison recorded the concerto twice with Elgar conducting. A shortened performance made acoustically on four 78 rpm sides in 1920, and the present complete recording made in 1928.
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[@jeromepatterson1541]

Wow,what a treat to hear this actually conducted by the composer and played by a rarely heard artist from this time 👍❤️

[@marianhreads]

In this version, the waltz-like rhythm particularly stands out to me. Very cool recording, and hard to believe it's 94 years old. 🤯

[@marianafilipebloom2469]

Thank you so much! I wish you all the best!

[@normakeilshaw8278]

Very soulful cello playing

[@irvingsteinberg]

Fantastic!

[@stuartthomas6367]

Nice restoration. Thank you.

[@daviddudas2820]

First time in record !!! Beautyful !!!

[@amusicment4829]

Wow, wonderful

[@tmoonjumpr]

Beautiful!

[@myhighmusicworld8036]

Beautiful from Beatrice.

[@robertorioles1144]

Captivating, spooky at times. Poised, always. Nice rubato. 'Wonder what the master thought of her rubato.

[@musicstuff6670]

Woah😮😮

[@MichaelStBede]

Wonderful ! Was this recorded for His Master's Voice ?

[@RS3DArchive]

Yes, it was.

[@peterheiman8621]

The photo appears to be of an acoustical recording session, but the date, 1928, and the recording quality, suggest electrical. Did Elgar make an earlier recording?

[@huntaloser]

The first (abridged) recording was made in 1920 with acoustic recording horns. This version here was recorded in 1928 using a single carbon microphone. Harrison conducted this version with the London Symphony Orchestra and Beatrice Harrison as the soloist.

[@huntaloser]

so the photo i believe is from 1920 but the recording from 1928

[@brucesteele3052]

Wow.

[@rickyt8131]

11:40