Classic CD July 1999

Cello Moods review

Cello Moods

This ripe-toned assemblage of cello miscellanea celebrates Julian Lloyd Webber’s 15-year association with Philips Classics. Throughout this period, he’s made world-premiere recordings of over 50 works, and there are surprises amongst more familiar and populist fare here, too. The eloquent Rheinberger Cantilena (from Organ Sonata No. 11) is as compelling in this reworking as it is unexpected, while the Caccini and Glazunov works are encountered far less often than either deserves.

Otherwise, many of the usual favourites are included, though this excellent disc is not a compilation from previous Philips issues, but an entirely new programme taped only last year. Quite at home in lighter fare as in pivotal repertoire, Julian Lloyd Webber lavishes minute care over every detail in these accomplished and strongly idiomatic readings. With diligent and sympathetic orchestral accompaniments (principally from James Judd and the Royal Philharmonic) and a splendidly open and natural recording ambience, this is a far from run-of- the-mill collection. Recommended.

Michael Jameson

*****