Wellington Evening Post 11th April 1983
Julian Lloyd Webber plays the Rodrigo Cello Concerto
Cellist’s fire, poise highlight of concert
When Julian Lloyd Webber plays the cello he gives all of himself to the music. Flashing fire at his finger tips and tone that sensitively sings, this was playing of instant communication.
“Concierto como un divertimento,” which he presented on Saturday night, was commissioned by Lloyd Webber from Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo.
He wanted from the 80-year-old composer a work with orchestra that would show off his superlative cello accomplishment and as well, easily make friends with audiences. Joaquin Rodrigo seems to have come up with the goods.
His “Concierto como un divertimento” has something of the appeal that made Rodrlgo’s “Concerto de Aranjuez” for guitar a popular piece. Tunes that fall placidly on the ear, cello pizzicati that suggest the guitar, lively rhythms, all these contribute to what is popularly accepted as a Spanish flavour.
Moreover, Rodrigo has not spared himself in devising fiendish difficulties for the cello. Lloyd Webber seemed to toss these off with reckless abandon; except that he was never reckless. This was a beautifully poised, yet exciting performance.
Unfortunately, the same could not be said about the orchestral accompaniment.
This was Hans-Hubert Schonzeler’s first concert with NZSO as guest conductor. From the beginning of the Tchaikowsky overture, and through its performance, conductor and orchestra had apparently not come to terms with each other.
When it came to the Dvorak symphony, Hans-Hubert Schonzeler’s indecisive, somewhat wayward beat had the orchestra guessing. This did not make for precision nor spark off Dvorak’s rhapsodic romanticism.
Dvorak’s Symphony No 6 is music of much delight. Saturday night, the pleasures emerged as through a glass, darkly.
This was surely not one of Hans-Hubert Schonzeler’s best occasions. His second Wellington NZSO concert next Friday night should make more friends.
Guitarist Julian Bream will be Friday night’s soloist. He will be playing Joaquin Rodrigo’s “Concierto de Aranjuez” which will make It something of a Rodrigo week.
By Owen Jenson
