COMPOSERS: Sullivan/Elgar
LABELS: EMI
WORKS: Cello Concerto; Symphony in E (Irish); Overture di Ballo; Romance (arr for cello)
PERFORMER: Julian Lloyd Webber (cello); LSO/Charles Mackerras; Royal Liverpool PO/Charles Groves
CATALOGUE NO: CDM 7 64726 2 ADD/DDD (1986/68)
Charles Groves delivers the larger and better part here. His 1968 recordings of Sullivan’s only symphony and best-known concert overture pioneered the revival of interest in his non-stage music. Sullivan’s Cello Concerto, a less successful work, is interesting mainly for the skill displayed by Charles Mackerras and David Mackie in reconstructing it after the loss of the original full score. Julian Lloyd Webber at least gives all necessary ardour – and he provides a real bonus in the Elgar Romance, a six-minute gem. I found an audible transfer hiss in the symphony. Arthur Jacobs
Sullivan/Elgar
Charles Groves delivers the larger and better part here. His 1968 recordings of Sullivan’s only symphony and best-known concert overture pioneered the revival of interest in his non-stage music. Sullivan’s Cello Concerto, a less successful work, is interesting mainly for the skill displayed by Charles Mackerras and David Mackie in reconstructing it after the loss of the original full score. Julian Lloyd Webber at least gives all necessary ardour – and he provides a real bonus in the Elgar Romance, a six-minute gem. I found an audible transfer hiss in the symphony. Arthur Jacobs
Our rating
5
Published: January 20, 2012 at 3:08 pm