Penguin Guide to CDs 1999
Britten Cello Symphony op. 68
Death in Venice: suite, Op. 88 (arr. Bedford)
***Chandos Dig. CHAN 8363 [id.].(i)
Wallfisch; ECO, Bedford.
Julian Lloyd Webber, in his finest recording yet, offers a unique coupling of two works, very different in character but closely parallel in the careers of their composers, each reflecting the mastery of a great Russian cellist (respectively Rostropovich and Piatigorsky). In passionately committed readings he brings out the power of each work and also the beauty, remarkably so in the grittily taxing Britten piece. Helped by sumptuous Philips sound, he and Sir Neville Marriner also demonstrate the extraordinary originality of Britten’s scoring in a way beyond any rival, but find an extra expressive warmth.
