Lalo & Saint-Saëns: Cello Concertos

André Navarra, born into a musical family in Biarritz, France, in 1911, emerged as one of the most renowned cellists of the 20th century. His journey began at the age of seven when he started studying both singing and the cello. By nine, he was already a student at the Conservatoire de Toulouse, and by 15, he had earned the first prize from the institution. Navarra's career was marked by his exceptional talent and versatility. He performed with the Krettly Quartet, served as the principal cellist of the Paris Opéra Orchestra, and won first prize at the prestigious Geneva Competition in 1937. After World War II, Navarra's international career took off, touring extensively across the United States, Europe, Asia, and the Soviet Union, and collaborating with some of the era's greatest conductors. In 1949, he succeeded Pierre Fournier as a professor at the Conservatoire de Paris, further cementing his legacy as a master cellist and dedicated pedagogue. Navarra's repertoire spanned a wide range of genres, including chamber music, and his recordings, such as the Elgar Cello Concerto, remain celebrated for their virtuosity and emotional depth. His influence on the world of cello performance and education is enduring, making him a pivotal figure in the French school of cello playing.