Pau Casals

One of the most distinctive cellists of all time was Pablo Casals. Born in Catalunya on 29 December 1876, he at first played in cafés in Barcelona, thence rose to Professor of Cello at Barcelona University. His career as a soloist rapidly developed and he was much in world demand. The Trio he formed with Alfred Cortot and Jacques Thibaud created a unique partnership, with again world demand. He spent years in voluntary exile whilst Spain was under totalitarian rule. In 1956 he settled in Puerto Rico, and died there, at San Juan, on 22 October 1973.

A selection of articles about Pau Casals

Spotlight. A Stupendous Box Set - Gerald Fenech strongly recommends Antonio Pappano's complete symphonic, concertante and sacred music recordings with the Orchestra dell'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia. '... music-making of exceptional passion and indescribable beauty that exalts the listener to heights of immense joy and feverish excitement.'

Spotlight. Vibrantly Recommended - Gerald Fenech listens to music by Enescu. '... these performances are as dynamically dazzling as they are irrepressibly exciting and incandescent.'

Profile. A Forgotten Composer in England - Richard Meszto writes about Hungarian-born Emanuel Moór

CD Spotlight. Likeable Discs - Music for cello and piano, heard by Howard Smith. '... affectionately presented throughout.'

Ensemble. Deeply Affecting - A Remembrance Concert in Clapham, attended by Michael Graubart

Ensemble. Songs of Exiles - The Canterbury Cellos, heard by Howard Smith

CD Spotlight. Grandest Lines - Donald Tovey's cello concerto, heard by Robert Anderson. '... satisfyingly masterful.'

Truly Charming - John Sant'Ambrogio's 'The Day I Almost Destroyed the Boston Symphony, and Other Stories', read by Kelly Ferjutz

CD Spotlight. A Striking Urgency - Schnittke and Ginastera from the Choir of St Ignatius Loyola, reviewed by Howard Smith. 'Not quite what one might expect.'

CD Spotlight. A Skilful Balance - The Icicle Creek Piano Trio, reviewed by Howard Smith. '... rhythmically brisk, considered performances ...'

CD Spotlight. Compelling listening - Orchestral music by Leonardo Balada, reviewed by Carson P Cooman. '... this disc is a must have ...'

Ensemble. Coming home - The Pablo Casals Cello Competition, reported by Tess Crebbin

Cello addiction - Tess Crebbin previews the Kronberg Academy's Second International Pablo Casals Cello Competition

CD Spotlight. A delight - Linden and Egarr play Bach Gamba sonatas, and Ron Bierman is impressed. '... a wonderful original instruments recording ...'