This is one of the best Cello concertos of the twentieth century and readily communicates the Bohuslav Martinu strong feelings for his homeland. Written over the Christmas and New year period of 1944-45 in New York it is full ofhis reactions to that last dramatic winter of the war and the desire to go home. It is an expansive work over 35 minutes in length in the standard three movements. Typically for Martinu the first movement is inModerato tempo. The opening gesture is highly characteristic: A pulsing rhythm establishes itself in the orchestra and a striving rising theme with a contradictory rhythm contends with it. The second movement Andante pocomoderato has a general pulse that is not much slower than that of the first. It is episodic with a faster central section and then a truly magical and heartfelt treatment of the main subject in which Martinu expresses hislonging for home. The final movement Allegro is a driving energetic conclusion with a solo cadenza that breaks the ongoing rhythm and provides a touching moment of contemplation before the joyous conclusion. This editioncontains a Piano reduction of the Orchestral part for rehearsal purposes.

e minor-Edward Elgar's concerto for violoncello his last major work is a cleanly structured and emotionally charged composition. It is no wonder that this work is of central importance in the cello literature. Jonathan Del Mar's editorial skills show themselves in the exacting placement of dynamics articulation and expression markings.The edition restores all Elgar's solo cello fingerings and bowings and offers a facsimile of the original solo cello part in the critical commentary. Jonathan Del Mar also documents the performing tradition of the work and its recording under Elgar's baton. This is the last word on this famous work a reference edition for everycellist!First ever critical editionAll existing sources consultedFirst ever critical commentary'I highly recommended this purchase even if you own a well-worn copy of another edition.'(American String Teacher vol. 56 No. 3 August 2006)'Ownership of this fine masterly authoritative and elegantly printed edition coupled with the fascinating Critical Commentary must be obligatory for all cellists!'(ESTA News