Putting history into practice: Elgar’s Cello Concerto

I am researching into performance practices associated with Edward Elgar and the English early 20th century performance style. I have a main focus on the Cello Concerto which was recorded twice with conductor Edward Elgar, cellist Beatrice Harrison and the New Symphony Orchestra (named the Royal Albert Hall Orchestra between 1915 and 1928) in 1919/20 and 1928. These recordings formed the basis of my artistic research project at the Royal College of Music, London, where I in May 2019 performed the “Adagio” from the Cello Concerto in an early 20th century performance style as part of a lecture recital on this topic, awarded distinction.

I recorded the entire concerto in late February 2020 with an orchestra consisting of London freelancers and conductor Christopher Quentin McMullen-Laird. Performing on gut strings, and with historical brass instruments, helped us create an authentic sound, rather different from what one is used to hear in concert halls these days. The recording was presented, after invitation, in a lecture at the RCM “Music & Ideas” series on Febuary 27th 2020 where Chris and I demonstrated how early 20th century performance practice can be used in performances also today.

Musicians of the early 20th century had a different musical ideal than we have today. Performers employed an excessive use of a variety of portamenti, huge and frequent tempo flexibilities, unalignment between soloist and accompaniment, and a different ideal of sound. Employing these factors in performances of music of the time creates a completely new meaning to the music. I feel that musicians’ creative space has become much more limited today than during earlier times. 21st century performances emphasize what we today would describe as “beautiful” sound, good intonation, steady pulse and togetherness. Early recordings suggest that performances of the early 20th century prioritised individuality, flexibility and variety – aspects that allowed creativity and spontaneity. Through performances of a particular style of a “forgotten” practice, such as Elgar’s, practitioners may be able to discover new expressive devices to use, and ways to perform and understand music that broadens their creativity and acceptance towards a larger uniqueness and individuality of musical performances today.

Watch the recording of the 3rd movement here:

 

In July 2023, I was asked to play with Gabrieli Players and conductor Paul McCreesh on performing and recording Elgar’s Dream of Gerontius in a histroically inspired style, using instruments of the period. A project in which I could use my skills and knowledge from my research on Elgar and also my performing and chamber music skills. The recording will be published early 2024. Stay tuned!