EDWARD ELGAR

The oeuvre  of Edward Elgar, an English composer and conductor, the father of new English music, includes 4 oratorios, 4 cantatas, 2 symphonies, 2 concerti (for violin and orchestra, 1910; for cello and orchestra, 1919), Enigma Variations for orchestra, suites, marches, sonatas and songs. Elgar’s music displays the features of neo-romanticism, some opuses are based on English musical folklore. Written in the aftermath of the First World War, Concerto for Cello and Orchestra in E minor, Op. 85 was Elgar’s last major opus. The premiere of the work took place in the Royal Hall of London on 27 October, 1919. However, Elgar’s Cello Concerto only gained real popularity after a recording by Jacqueline’s Mary du Pré, one of the greatest cellists of the 20th century, was released in 1960. In contrast to the previously written lyrical and passionate Violin Concerto, this work is for the most part contemplative and elegiac. The cello solo part resembles an inner monologue – expressive, pensive, permeated with melodies of amazing beauty and abounding with virtuoso gestures. The concerto consists of 4 movements.

The solo part is played by a guest from Germany – Johannes Moser, a disciple of the famous cellist David Geringas. In 2002, Moser won the highest award in the Tchaikovsky International Competition (second, the first was not awarded) and a special prize for the performance of  Tchaikovsky’s Rococo Variations. In the  Lithuanian National Philharmonic 77th season opening concert, Moser collaborates with the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra conducted by maestro Modestas Pitrėnas.