André Navarra’s playing is remembered today for the force of his irrepressible personality put in service of the demands of the music. He was highly regarded in Czechoslovakia for his performances of the Dvorák Cello Concerto, and the present recording reveals an interpretation that is wholly idiomatic, with Navarra avoiding Casals’ comparatively heavier way with the work. Rather, he marries tensile strength to lyrical poise, producing a tone that is at once taut and beautiful. The cello’s dramatic entrance in the first movement is a prime example, offering phrasing of a distinctly noble quality. Navarra maintains this poise throughout the homespun song of the second movement and the gruff march of the finale. Rudolf Schwarz leads the National Symphony in a smart and tightly argued rendition of the orchestral accompaniment.
Elgar’s concerto is an altogether different beast, but it benefits even more from Navarra’s maintenance of line and sensitivity to nuance. This work can become a really gloom-laden affair in some hands, but rather than wallowing in despair Navarra displays defiance at the first movement’s specter of death. The finale swaggers cockily, yet Navarra finds much tender reflection in the elegiac adagio. John Barbirolli conducts the Hallé Orchestra in his typically heartfelt manner, making for a satisfyingly robust performance, and the sound on these remastered EMI mono recordings is clear, with suitable dynamic range. A disc of exceptional cello playing, one that aficionados will treasure.
