[ Signum Classics / CD ]
Release Date: Thursday 20 August 2015
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Star British cellist Jamie Walton returns to disc on Signum with a programme Russian repertoire by composers Glazunov, Prokofiev and Tchaikovsky. Joined by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra under Okko Kamu, the disc includes the original version of Tchaikovsky's 'Variations on a Rococo Theme'.
"Walton embraces Glazunov's tenderness with the warmth and suppleness of his tone...Walton interprets [the Prokofiev] with impressive, seamless sweeps and refined dynamic shading...[the Tchaikovsky] retains its appeal in a performance as tasteful, spirited and affectionate as this one." The Telegraph, 14th June 2015 ****
"Walton makes a good case for [the Glazunov], using a lightish, sweeping tone that means that the long, rhapsodic melodies don't get too bogged down...Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations are given in the composer's original version, and Walton's poised playing suits them well. Under Okko Kamu, the orchestra is neat and sympathetic, if a little faceless." The Guardian, 25th June 2015 ***
"Walton's taste, discretion and romantic warmth, fused with a lightness of touch, serve as a reminder that it was in the poise and purity of 18th-century music that Tchaikovsky - as he told an uncomprehending Mme von Meck - found solace from life's woes." Gramophone Magazine, August 2015
"Walton performs it splendidly with a light touch that the Royal Philharmonic under Okko Kamu accompany hand-in-glove. They capture the neo-classical essence of the piece very well, and the recording is vibrant." (MusicWeb Sept 2015)
Glazunov:
Concerto ballata in C major for cello and orchestra, Op. 108
Chant du Ménestrel, Op. 71
Mélodie for cello & orchestra in D major, Op. 20/1
Prokofiev:
Cello Concertino in G minor, Op. 132
Tchaikovsky:
Nocturne for cello & small orchestra (or cello & piano), Op. 19 No. 4
Variations on a Rococo Theme, Op. 33