Elgar, Walton: Cello Concertos
Elgar'sCello Concertogives most British listeners the "weepies," associated as it is with the life of the late Jacqueline Du Pré, who played it magnificently. That doesn't mean, however, that there isn't room for other interpretations, especially when they are as fine as this one. The coupling, Walton's brittle, bittersweet concerto for cello and orchestra, is both logical and nicely contrasting. Check out Ma's quicksilver fingerwork in the zippy middle movement for a truly dazzling virtuoso display. You may not forget Du Pré, but this is one of Ma's best recordings nevertheless.--David Hurwitz