Walton
Cello Concerto; Symphony No.1; Scapino
Jonathan Aasgaard (cello); Sinfonia of London/John Wilson
Chandos CHSA5328 76:38 mins
A fervent romantic liaison with Baroness Doernberg inspired Walton’s First Symphony, passion and intensity coursing beneath the surface of its brilliant invention. Yet the structure and textures are carefully constructed, the last movement, in particular, proving tricky to complete.
The composer’s trademark calling card is an ability to create exquisite colours, cast in the Ravelian tradition, the textures also owing much to Sibelius. In John Wilson’s hands, these timbres shimmer and glisten. He has already proved himself to be masterful in this repertoire; his ear for balancing lines coupled with scrupulous attention to detail seals the deal.
The intricacy of the score is bequeathed tremendous lucidity, and pungency in the rhythmically defined motives, the Presto con Malizia a particular tour-de-force of orchestral brilliance. Both Scapino and the Cello Concerto were premiered by American orchestras, and the virtuosity of their ensembles encouraged Walton to go to town with timbres.
The opening of the Cello Concerto is the perfect example, with striking vibraphone chords followed by viola trills. The sublimely mystic cello melody then soars above – a mesmerising passage that is eloquently depicted by Jonathan Aasgaard. Wilson is supreme is shading the orchestra to complement the cello line, both clear and expressive. In both cadenzas, Aasgaard draws a dramatically compelling narrative, again coupling precision with nuance and aplomb.
The commedia dell arte figure of Scapino is reflected in virtuosic orchestral figures. The rollercoaster music charges forth, Wilson offering crystal-clear articulation, solo figures perfectly etched from the stellar soloists in the Sinfonia of London.