Lalo • Widor
Cello Concertos
Graham du Plessis (cello); Mecklenburgische Staatskapelle Schwerin/Māris Kupčs
Solaire SOL1019 59:42 mins
Clip: Widor - Cello Concerto – I. Allegro
Widor’s Cello Concerto of 1877 was premiered in 1882 but appears to have only had one performance. It’s possible that the work was considered to be old fashioned in comparison with the sparkling First Concerto of 1872 by Saint-Saëns or Lalo’s more melodramatic Concerto of 1876. Whatever the case, Widor’s Concerto is definitely worth hearing, particularly as the original manuscript is used for this recording which offers numerous differences to the printed cello part, in terms of both tessitura and invention. Graham de Plessis’s technically brilliant and persuasively eloquent reading is well characterised, and the contribution from the Mecklenburgische Staatskapelle Schwerin under Māris Kupčs is neat and strongly supportive.
Partnering this ‘lost’ work with Lalo’s well-known Concerto is an inspired choice, especially as the latter work’s fervent and stormy unison opening marks such a striking contrast to the more classically cast Widor. Du Plessis, supported by expressive orchestral playing, gives a powerfully intense rendition, but is open to delicacy at a moment’s notice. For years, I confess I’ve been rather ambivalent about this concerto, but this has persuaded me of its worth. The emotional temperature is carefully calibrated, and the ebb and flow of the tempos convincing. The second movement Intermezzo is charming without being overdone, as is the spontaneous approach to the quasi-improvised introduction to the Finale. Thereafter, the brilliant cello melodies take command, Du Plessis achieving an ideal balance between technical brilliance and expressive intensity. Jo Talbot