Elgar - Concerto In E Minor for Violoncello And Orchestra Op. 85 (GEM0143) with Anthony Pini, cellist. This version is for me one of the most satisfying on record, being noble, sincere and not the least indulgent in the way that so many versions seem to be.

Schumann Cello Concerto, op 129 (Supraphon: SU 36872) with André Navarra. Navarra’s Schumann Concerto is equally impressive in his respect for the score and his intuitive feeling for the mood of the composer.

I am very impressed with the playing of the English cellist Joseph Spooner in an interesting addition to the repertoire, namely a sonata by Sir George Dyson on a recording called George Dyson: Chamber Works (Dutton: CDLX7137). He and his pianist give a beautiful performance of what may be the first recording of this little–known work.

On the Cello Classics label, Beethoven: ‘Kreutzer’ Sonata, op 47 (CC1014) in the arrangement for cello by Carl Czerny (possibly with Beethoven’s permission) receives a beautiful and technically excellent performance from Raphael Wallfisch and John York, which makes a fine case for this somewhat unlikely transcription.

A recording on the Naxos label of four Boccherini Cello Concertos (Naxos 6818673) also finds Raphael Wallfisch in top form.

Two DVD’s which no cellist should be without are Pierre Fournier (EMI 5996939) playing concertos by Saint-Saëns and Schumann with such great artistry and Beethoven Sonatas and Chopin’s Polonaise with his brilliant son, pianist Jean Fonda.

Zara Nelsova has always been one of my favourite players, and I am delighted that at last we have a wonderful example of her art: Zara Nelsova - Grande Dame of the Cello (VAI DVD 4370). Included are the Boccherini and Martinu Sonatas and the Kabalevsky Concerto No 1. I only hope that other companies will follow suit with archived televised material.

Another essential for the connoisseur is Cello Classics’ enhanced CD of Emanuel Feuermann In Concert (CC1013). His Saint-Saëns Concerto in A minor is a long-awaited first on disc. Part of the recording is a 7-minute film (playable on any computer) that contain the Dvorak Rondo and Popper Spinning Song. Cello playing doesn’t come any better than this.