the violin & cello concertos

It is striking that George Lloyd avoided the use of large orchestras when he decided to write concertante works for violin. He did not want the solo instrument to be overshadowed by orchestral power. He explained: "I don't really like the relationship between the violin and the large modern orchestra... I hate to hear that poor little violin completely overwhelmed". Lloyd completed his Cello Concerto in July 1997, a year before his death at the age of 85, and there is a wistful, valedictory quality to this autumnal piece in which feelings of sorrow and regret repeatedly come to the surface. (Paul Conway)