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.