Colin Carr: 1981 Naumberg Foundation International Cello Competition (Franck, Debussy, Faure)

COLIN CARR liner notes

It is sometimes said that French composers tended to neglect the 'cello until Pablo Casals descended on Paris in the 1900s and startled audiences with his displays of virtuosity. It is true that his brilliant playing revealed qualities people had not until then associated with the instrument, and that he brought glamour and prestige to what had been a Cinderella of the orchestra. Several decades before Casals' historic debut, however, Lalo and Saint-Saens had already composed concerti and quite substantial solo pieces for the 'cello. Indeed, one of Saint-Saens' most famous pieces, Le cygne, paid full tribute to the grave and fluent beauty of its tone.