julian lloyd webber NEWS    BIOGRAPHY    REVIEWS    RECORDINGS    PHOTOS    VIDEO    ARTICLES    CONTACT   

Classic FM September 2006

Unexpected Songs review

Unexpected Songs
Julian Lloyd Webber

It's always interesting to see cellists push out the walls of their comfort zone. On Unexpected Songs - the title a hint towards the sheer breadth of music therein — Britain's leading cellist ventures into ethnic territory Arrangements of pieces by Nitin Sawhney (the wistful Songbird), and a traditional African lullaby sit alongside classical pieces by Chopin, Schubert, Elgar and Orff, as well as folk, soundtrack excerpts ('Hushabye Mountain' from Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is spine-tingling) and show tunes, including brother Andrew's title track, taken from the musical Song And Dance and featuring Michael Ball. The spectral harp of guest star Catrin Finch enchants throughout.
Anna Britten

Back