George Walker: Concerto for Cello & Orchestra (1981)

The American composer, pianist and teacher, George Walker (1922- ) has written an extensive body of music in all genres with the exception of opera. Much of his music is available commercially on the Albany label.
Here is the world premiere broadcast performance of his Cello Concerto with cellist, Lorne Monroe and the New York Philharmonic conducted by Zubin Mehta from January 14, 1982.
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[@BetterMe981]

Such an incredible piece. And such a shame mainstream cello soloists never perform it. Not even Yo Yo Ma, that I'm aware. Some people like to think it's because the composer is black. The truth is, the thing is too damned difficult to play and make sound good. Lorne Monroe did an amazing job! In my opinion, THIS is the concerto that should be on audition repertoire lists. Everyone knows and loves the basic great concerti (Dvorak, the 2 Haydns, Shostakovitch, et al.) and we can play them all by the end of high school. But a cellist who can walk in and throw down the Walker concerto??? Pfftt... HIRED! ;-) RIP Mr. Walker.

[@noahhertzman3386]

Definitely in agreement here! It’s right up there with the Khachaturian Concerto-Rhapsody. Too bad cellists stick to mainstream repertoire too much, it doesn’t leave room for amazing pieces like this one.

[@DavidA-ps1qr]

Bravo - Great comment.

[@andrewpetersen5272]

Would say the same about the Mennin concerto.

[@adrianwright8685]

Perhaps even the top cellists cannot dictate to concert halls what they are going to play? After all it is not the cellist who has to pay for hire of the hall/ conductor/orchestra.

[@clarissaperetti4540]

I believe that in this global musical moment, only Sheku Kanneh-Mason would have the technical and interpretative capacity for this masterful work.

[@LyleFrancisDelp]

IMHO, George Walker, more than all other composers featured in Columbia’s series of LPs in the 70s, stands out as a truly great composer, regardless of skin color. It all comes down to the music, and this music is damned good!!! He deserves more recognition than he ever received, but truth be told, a premiere by the NYPhil under Mehta is a very good addition to one’s c.v.

[@axelsohn1454]

There is also a cello sonata by Walker and excellent performance by Sterling Elliot, a Julliard concerto performance prize winner. See: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eZXPgGZod7tjb6M

[@nostalgicmodernist1399]

This is a piece in deep crisis -- but a wonderful challenge for a cellist! I particularly like the slow movement, which provides some welcome introspection amidst all the blows and dislocations of the first movement and the furious fight and activity in the final movement, when the cellist seems to strike back at a vicious world.

[@CsrlWiener]

The concerto comes into its own

[@larrywolkin5791]

The cello is really put out and up in this electrifying composition

[@markovelikonja5399]

I used to listen to the Philharmonic all the time around when this was broadcast, and don't recall hearing it. Really appreciate your sharing it. I always really liked Lorne Munroe (and he looked a bit like former German Chancellor Helmut Schmidt). And good to hear the late, great Martin Bookspan.

[@Clivejvaughan]

Thought I had this...but didn't; Dialogus & Movements, yes - this, no. So, great, thank you!