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NEWS BIOGRAPHY REVIEWS RECORDINGS PHOTOS VIDEO ARTICLES EDITIONS CONTACT |
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A fitting compilation of Lloyd Webber’s emotionally committed performances of favourites and some lesser-known pieces. This attractively mixed collection, drawn from discs made for RCA in the early 80s, makes a splendid 50th birthday tribute to Julian Lloyd Webber, consistently bringing out the warmth and spontaneity of his playing. The Rodrigo Concerto, commissioned by and dedicated to Lloyd Webber, proves a stronger, more positive work than I remembered. The sequence of striking ideas— including inevitable reminiscences of Concierto de Aranjuez - — inspires a vibrant, purposeful performance from the soloist. The Lalo -— also with López-Cobos and the LPO — brings another powerful, passionate performance, with Spanish flavours underlined. The shorter pieces are all sharply characterised too, a varied and colourful sequence, with Lloyd Webber's vigour and warmth matched by fine playing from Gerhardt and the National Philharmonic. For the English items Vernon Handley and the Philharmonia are Lloyd Webber’s partners. And there the deep dedication of his playing holds together works that might easily seem to meander. So the Delius Concerto brings a performance more deeply emotional than usual, and the Holst Invocation sets in high contrast the hushed dedication of the opening and the passion of the climax. The Vaughan Williams, too, is most welcome for bringing out of limbo a long—neglected work, and the sequence ends with a tender, expansive reading of Bruch’s Kol Nidrei, similarly improvisatory. With first—rate sound it is good to have all these items back in the catalogue, a warm portrait of an open hearted artist.
Julian Lloyd Webber (vc) Bach Concerto for Harpsichord and Strings,BWV1056 - Largo |