BaL 9.05.15 - Walton: Cello Concerto

[ardcarp]

Agree about the excellence of this BAL, esp HW's presentation.

[visualnickmos]

Yes - it was an excellent BaL. Very informative, well-presented and enjoyable to listen to. Also, it made me want to explore other versions other than the very few that are in my collection. A perfect example of a good BaL, IMO.

[EnemyoftheStoat]

...the Watkins/LSO sound...has put this in a new light.

BBCSO, no?

[Barbirollians]

I thought the winner rather bland but I enjoyed the BAL . I am happy with the Piatigorsky, Harrell, and Tortelier

[Barbirollians]

Rather sad to hear that there was apparently a duPre/Walton performance planned but prevented by her illness.

[Bryn]

I thought the winner rather bland but I enjoyed the BAL . I am happy with the Piatigorsky, Harrell, and Tortelier

Ah. Did you listen to it when it was broadcast during Afternoon on 3 this February then?

[Dave2002]

Strangely, I liked the 'new' ending - but not at the expense of the original - just for variety!

I was intrigued to find that there is a later "updated" version of the concerto, though not many current recordings are based on that. The easy way out would be for recordings to include both versions so that with a bit of simple programming it would be possible to hear either. It's been done before with other works.

[ardcarp]

BBCSO, no?

Yes, sorry. Realised my mistake when I ordered it!

I thought the winner rather bland but I enjoyed the BAL . I am happy with the Piatigorsky, Harrell, and Tortelier

I thought the recorded sound was wonderful (can't wait to get the CD) and Watkins' playing.... well, intonation absolutely secure (I do get the odd cringe with Tortelier) and a big, full sound.

[visualnickmos]

I thought the winner rather bland but I enjoyed the BAL . I am happy with the Piatigorsky, Harrell, and Tortelier

I sort of agree; I wouldn't say 'bland' exactly, maybe a bit too clean, and lacking the personality of some of the other versions illustrated... I first discovered this concerto about 10 years ago, and never tire of it.

[Nick Armstrong]

Agree about the excellence of this BAL, esp HW's presentation.

I thought the recorded sound was wonderful (can't wait to get the CD) and Watkins' playing.... well, intonation absolutely secure (I do get the odd cringe with Tortelier) and a big, full sound.

Yes... Agreed on all counts. Only latterly caught up with this BaL - a fascinating, illuminating 50 minutes, with the chosen extracts bringing out aspects and contrasts I'd never been aware of - esp. the composer's preferred pace and style (generally ignored by everyone else!), the disappointing murkiness and poor intonation of the Tortelier/Berglund... I find I have the EMI forte double-decker referred to above (as well as the Piatigorsky and the Harrell).

And the new Watkins/Gardner sounding fresh as paint and really in tune and character. Tempted. When the coupling, the 2nd Symphony, was on CD Review a few weeks ago, I recall being tempted by that too. (Do I recall some less favourable comments somewhere on the Forum?)

[Ferretfancy]

I'm afraid I parted company with the Gardner disc, mainly because of the uninvolving performance of the 2nd Symphony. Just compare it with Mackerras or Previn to see what I mean. I'll stick with Piatigorsky.and there was also a rather good performance by Robert Cohemn with the Bournemouth SO and Andrew Litton., presumably deleted.

As it happens, there's to my mind a better performance by Watkins on a BBC MM cover disc with the BBC Scottish SO and Hannikainen. The cello is much more effectively balanced than on the Gardner disc, and the recording generally is fine. The coupling is Saint-Saens No. 1 -well worth looking for.