The Strad April 1997

Bryars: Cello Concerto Farewell to Philosophy

The meditative or reflective forms a key part of Gavin Bryars’ musical vocabulary. The chief delight is Julian Lloyd Webber’s intelligent reading of the solo line – beautifully judged and sustained, gorgeous in tone, subtle in nuance and utterly disarming in the final Farewell, which really does feel like a culmination.

RODERIC DUNNETT