Edward Elgar - From the Archives, Vol. 2 (André Navarra; Tibor Varga)

Information

Composer: Edward Elgar

• Cello Concerto in E Minor, Op. 85 (Live in Munich, 11/29/1956)
• Violin Concerto in B Minor, Op. 61 (Live in Bamberg, 12/19/1957)

André Navarra, cello

Munich Philharmonic Orchestra

Fritz Rieger, conductor

Tibor Varga, violin

Bamberg Symphony Orchestra

Jan Koetsier, conductor

Date: 2026

Label: SOMM Recordings

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SOMM Recordings’ series “Elgar from the Archives” presents rare historical recordings of works by Edward Elgar, featuring notable but sometimes lesser-known international performers. Volume 2 includes live performances of Elgar’s Violin Concerto in B minor, Op. 61 performed by violinist Tibor Varga with the Bamberg Symphony Orchestra under Jan Koetsier, and the Cello Concerto in E minor, Op. 85 performed by cellist André Navarra with the Munich Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Fritz Rieger. The recordings, dating from the mid-1950s, have been carefully restored by Lani Spahr. Together they highlight the technical brilliance and emotional depth of two of Elgar’s most significant concertos, interpreted by distinguished musicians of the twentieth century.

André Navarra (1911–1988) was a distinguished French cellist and influential teacher, born in Biarritz into a musical family. A child prodigy, he began studying music at an early age and entered the Toulouse Conservatory at nine, later graduating with top honors from the Paris Conservatory at fifteen. Navarra initially performed as a chamber musician with the Kretly String Quartet and made his solo debut in 1931 with the Colonne Orchestra. After serving in the French infantry during World War II, he resumed an international performing career, collaborating with leading conductors and premiering works by composers such as Jolivet and Tomasi. Renowned as a pedagogue, he taught at the Paris Conservatory and other institutions, influencing many prominent cellists.

Tibor Varga (1921–2003) was a Hungarian violinist, conductor, and pedagogue of international renown, born in Győr in a region associated with prominent violin traditions. A prodigious talent, he gave his first public performance at six and soon began performing major concerto repertoire and recording professionally as a teenager. Discovered by Jenő Hubay, he studied at the Franz Liszt Academy in Budapest and developed connections with leading musicians such as Béla Bartók and Carl Flesch. After World War II, he established an international career as a soloist and later as a conductor, while also pursuing philosophical studies. Varga became an influential teacher, founded the Tibor Varga Chamber Orchestra, and established major musical institutions in Switzerland, including a summer academy, festival, and international violin competition.

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