Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, Andrew Manze & Guy Johnston - Bliss: Cello Concerto, F. 120 (2025) [24/96]

Composed for Rostropovich at the great cellist’s request, the cello concerto by Arthur Bliss is a late work, dating from 1970. It was premiered at that year’s Aldeburgh Festival, performed by its dedicatee with the English Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Benjamin Britten. The composer called it a ‘concertino’, but Britten declared it a ‘major piece’ and begged Bliss to alter the title to concerto which he agreed to do. It is a demanding work for the soloist, and, as the composer commented ‘there are no problems for the listener – only the soloist!’ Cellist Guy Johnston, a former chorister at King’s College, Cambridge and BBC Young Musician winner, has built a distinguished international career as a soloist, chamber musician and guest principal.

Tracklist:
1. Cello Concerto, F. 120: I. Allegro deciso (10:58)
2. Cello Concerto F. 120: II. Larghetto (7:40)
3. Cello Concerto F. 120: III. Allegro (6:03)


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