Paulon Sellokilpailun 1. Finaali, Osa 1 by Bach, C. P. E., Boccherini, L., Graziani, C., Frá (2023/2023), Espoo Cultural Centre (Espoon kulttuurikeskus), Espoo, Finland

In the early 18th century, the cello was a rare instrument, but towards the middle of the century it became fashionable, even being taken up by some of the crowned heads of Europe. Carl Philipp Emanuel Bach was one of the first composers to write a concerto for this novel instrument – three of them, in fact, between 1750 and 1753. He capitalised on the success of his A major Concerto by arranging it for flute and harpsichord as well. Carlo Graziani was one of the foremost cello virtuosi of his day, touring the courts of Europe to dazzle audiences with his flamboyant concertos. Boccherini was also a cellist himself and wrote more than two dozen concertos for his instrument with a chamber-music sensibility.