Edward William Elgar

“She [Simone Lamsma] has a seriously fine technique and impeccable intonation, and puts these to use with mature musical intelligence” The Strad

"Müller-Schott's expressive legato movingly captures the sadness and resignation of [Elgar's] adagio, but he can dazzle, too, in the restless semiquavers of the allegro molto section of the scherzo-like second movement. This is a deeply felt, freshly conceived reading of a much-recorded piece. No less desirable is his account of the Walton" Sunday Times Classical CD of the Week 18th June 2006 The Strad Selection

“The Walton… is distinctive, not least because the Oslo Philharmonic under Previn is on cracking form. This subtly playful, sun-lit work is fiendishly difficult and requires just the sort of powerful virtuosity Müller-Schott displays.” BBC Music Magazine, July 2006 ****

“The Elgar and Walton cello concertos make a perfect coupling and this is the second time André Previn has conducted the pairing on disc.
The first, some 20 years ago, had Yo-Yo Ma, still near the beginning of his career, and the LSO.
Here he's with the young German cellist Daniel Müller-Schott and his own Oslo Philharmonic in an equally idiomatic reading.
Significantly, Müller-Schott writes his own booklet-notes, demonstrating his warm affection and understanding of both works. It is the passion of his playing that strikes home immediately – he uses a wider vibrato than Ma, and rather freer, less inhibited phrasing. That passion comes over not only in the slower music of the Elgar but also in the seemingly hesitating introduction to the second-movement Scherzo; and where Ma's reading of the slow movement is marked by refinement and nobility, Müller- Schott's is weightier. Similarly, in the central Scherzo of the Walton, where Ma is very fast and volatile, Müller-Schott is heavier-handed, though without losing the piece's sparkle.
The solo cello is balanced very far forward so that at the start of the Walton its sound obscures the subtle detail in the orchestration. That said, there is everything to enjoy in performances that are uninhibited, bringing out the warmth of both pieces. Many will forgive the odd balance when the performances are so convincing, even if Müller-Schott is not quite so imaginative or individual in his phrasing as Ma.” Gramophone Classical Music Guide, 2010

“Both the orchestra and conducting impress throughout this set” BBC Music Magazine

“...the BBC's most valuable recent Legends release is a two-disc commemoration of Constantin's Silvestri's tenure as Maestro for the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, including a seductively curvaceous Cockaigne Overture and a solid, heartfelt account of Elgar's First Symphony” Gramophone Magazine

“Naxos has issued numerous discs in its series Cinema Classics. They offer a wide assortment of music, are generally easy listening, and are a reminder of the frequent use that is made of classical music by film makers. What a resource for film buffs!” FM Program Guide

“This is a passionate, strongly argued performance, with Graffin's extrovert solo performance well supported by the RLPO and Handley.” BBC Music Magazine, July 2006 ****

“…Graffin's performance with the ever-understanding backing of Vernon Handley and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic is most distinguished. I cannot remember one on disc that so magically exploits the range of pianissimo that the score asks for. The story is similar with the first version of Chausson's Poème... Here again the performance could hardly be more subtle, with Graffin maintaining the gentlest of dynamics while keeping total concentration.” Gramophone Magazine, June 2006