![]() It was at the age of sixteen that Julian Lloyd Webber won a scholarship to the Royal College of Music, later completing his studies in Geneva with the renowned cellist, Pierre Fournier. Nicholas Anderson The Classical Reviewer 7th November 2014 Julian and Jiaxin Lloyd Webber reveal, in their often intimate approach, so many of Vivaldi’s beauties on their new release from Naxos All is sympathetically complemented by the strings of the European Union Chamber Orchestra. Lloyd Webber ends the programme with his arrangement of Milonga, from Astor Piazzolla’s Concerto for Bandoneon and Guitar. Their intonation is well-nigh impeccable and their warmly coloured timbre a constant delight. Lloyd Webber’s wife, Jiaxin, plays second cello both musicians articulate lightly and with pleasingly sharp definition. Otherwise, Lloyd Webber has arranged for two cellos Vivaldi’s Concerto for two mandolins, RV 532 for two horns, RV 539 for oboe and bassoon, RV 545 for cello and bassoon, RV 409 and a recently discovered Concerto for violin (or oboe) and cello, RV 812. The only work here in its original scoring is the well-known Concerto for two cellos and strings, RV 531. ![]() The results are convincing – you may be surprised at how idiomatic these pieces sound in their freshly conceived colours. Giving much thought to the propriety of his arrangements, Lloyd Webber has explored both tonal and register issues. Vivaldi was no exception to this practice, but these adaptations are not by him but by cellist Julian Lloyd Webber. It is sad if this is to be Julian Lloyd Webber’s last record but if it is, he is signing off in some style.ĭavid R Dunsmore BBC Music Magazine December 2014 Vivaldi Concertos for Two CellosĪ Baroque composer’s stock-in-trade was to adapt music for particular resources. Perhaps not to be taken in one sitting but a couple of the concertos at a time. This is undoubtedly a successful disc which will appeal to many, especially at Naxos price. The plaintive melody is well suited to the cello and as throughout the playing is first class: a most effective and original way to end this disc. To say that this is a contrast to what’s come before is an understatement. The final item is an arrangement of a Milonga (tango dance) from Piazzolla’s Concerto for Bandoneon - a type of concertina - and Guitar. This was originally written for violin and the arrangement for two cellos again works well even if the piece is not as distinguished as some of the others here. RV812 was only discovered less than ten years ago. The lullaby nature of the middle movement is very touching articulated by restrained playing and sympathetic accompaniment. This is a delightful piece with the cellos’ imitation of hunting calls in the outer movements. RV539 was originally conceived for two horns. The arrangement from oboe to bassoon is seamless and again showcases the fine playing of the soloists those who listen to the countless versions of the Four Seasons should definitely give this a listen. RV545 is a most appealing work with the first movement originally destined for the instrumentation in a cantata. The finale showcases Lloyd Webber’s expertise on the instrument and signposts the way for Haydn’s concerto a generation later. Fortunately RV409, originally written for one cello follows and this is an exciting piece with changes of tempo in the middle movement. RV531 follows which is the only one originally written for two cellos and was at a lower level of inspiration than the first piece. The success of an arrangement is surely not to feel the instrumentation is incorrect and this is the case here. The playing, throughout, is very accomplished and sensitive and very well captured by the engineers. If one had doubts as to arranging the distinctive sound of mandolins to cellos then these are dispelled immediately. The disc begins with RV532 and this sets the high standard for what is to come. The disc has an added distinction, as sadly it will be Julian Lloyd Webber’s last recording due to a neck injury. It was delightful therefore to receive this disc for review and to have my original very positive impression endorsed. I had the good fortune to hear the first concerto RV532, arranged from one for two mandolins, on Radio 3 and was very impressed. Julian & Jiaxin Lloyd Webber (cello) European Union ChamberOrchestra/Hans-Peter Hofmann Music Web December 2014 Vivaldi Concertos for Two CellosĬoncertos for two Cellos, RV 531, plus various arrs by J Lloyd Webber
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