Bowen; Walton Viola Concertos
A treasurable version of the Walton Concerto and a great programme, too
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Herbert Howells, (Edwin) York Bowen, William Walton, Ralph Vaughan Williams
Genre:
Orchestral
Label: ASV
Magazine Review Date: 9/2006
Media Format: CD or Download
Media Runtime: 78
Mastering:
Stereo
DDD
Catalogue Number: CDDCA1181
Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
Suite for Viola and Small Orchestra |
Ralph Vaughan Williams, Composer
Helen Callus, Viola Marc Taddei, Conductor New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Ralph Vaughan Williams, Composer |
Elegy for Viola, String Quartet and String Orchest |
Herbert Howells, Composer
Helen Callus, Viola Herbert Howells, Composer Marc Taddei, Conductor New Zealand Symphony Orchestra |
Concerto for Viola and Orchestra |
William Walton, Composer
Helen Callus, Viola Marc Taddei, Conductor New Zealand Symphony Orchestra William Walton, Composer |
Author: Edward Greenfield
Helen Callus, British-born but based in America, plays with sumptuous tone matched by flawless intonation to give the most beautiful account I have ever heard of the Walton Concerto. She brings out the warmth of Walton’s lyricism, one memorable theme after another, and finds a rare mystery in the pianissimo passages, above all in the haunting epilogue. Marc Taddei draws playing from the New Zealand orchestra that is warm in the lyricism and incisive in Walton’s characteristic syncopations.
The coupled works are all valuable. The Vaughan Williams Suite, a rarity, has three brief movements, two in characteristic pastoral vein followed by a vigorous finale. Then comes a most beautiful account of the Howells Elegy, orchestra members making up the string quartet set against the solo viola. Lawrence Power (Hyperion, 7/05) alerted us to the abundant lyricism of York Bowen’s Concerto. Callus is just as impressive, playing with a very wide dynamic range. The snag is what seems to be a substantial cut in the brilliant finale. Power’s main Allegro takes eight minutes before the big cadenza enters (allegedly the work of Tertis) but the Callus version lasts barely four minutes before she begins her own reflective, impressive cadenza. I assume a cut was necessary to fit the CD running time. A pity nonetheless.
The coupled works are all valuable. The Vaughan Williams Suite, a rarity, has three brief movements, two in characteristic pastoral vein followed by a vigorous finale. Then comes a most beautiful account of the Howells Elegy, orchestra members making up the string quartet set against the solo viola. Lawrence Power (Hyperion, 7/05) alerted us to the abundant lyricism of York Bowen’s Concerto. Callus is just as impressive, playing with a very wide dynamic range. The snag is what seems to be a substantial cut in the brilliant finale. Power’s main Allegro takes eight minutes before the big cadenza enters (allegedly the work of Tertis) but the Callus version lasts barely four minutes before she begins her own reflective, impressive cadenza. I assume a cut was necessary to fit the CD running time. A pity nonetheless.
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