Elgar: Cello Concerto, Introduction & Allegro, Elegy / Davis, Watkins, BBC Philharmonic

"...Watkins' account seems the best to have appeared on disc for years. It has intensity, presence and warmth, which never topples over into sentimentality, and Davis and the BBC Philharmonic accompany with panache; the exchanges in the scherzo are wonderfully deft. The rest of disc is equally fine." - Andrew Clements, The Guardian, London [April 5, 2012] “...Watkins makes the music speak of pain, loss and rueful beauty ... There’s also perfect rapport between soloist, conductor and orchestra. Watkin’s ten years of conducting experience comes into play here, and the union of thought in the opening stretch is remarkable...” **** - Geoff Brown, The Times, London [April 6, 2012] ----- Paul Watkins is the cello soloist in a recording that showcases some of Elgar’s most popular works. The conductor, Sir Andrew Davis, is steeped in the English music tradition. Elgar studied the violin from a young age, and had some early hopes of making a career as a soloist. Consequently, he w