Search - Gerald Finzi, Vernon Handley, Richard Hickox :: Gerald Finzi: Violin And Cello

Great Recording Of Finzi's Cello and Violin Concertos

J. Rich | 10/10/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There isn't much competition for either of these Finzi concertos, especially the "Violin Concerto." The "Cello Concerto" was the last piece of music he wrote before he passed away. It is played here by Rafael Wallfisch on cello and conducted by Vernon Handley with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic. The "Violin Concerto," which was first known as "Introit for solo violin and small orchestra," receives it's world premiere recording as a 3-movement composition. It is performed by Tasmin Little on violin and conducted by Richard Hickox with the City of London Sinfonia. The other selections on this recording: "Prelude" and "Romance" were both written for string orchestra and performed by the City of London Sinfonia conducted by Richard Hickox.



The playing from both orchestras and soloists for each concertos: Wallfisch and Little are excellent. They are dedicated to these pieces and play them with utmost enthusiasm and passion. The conducting from Handley and Hickox (both sadly no longer with us) is also top-notch. I would expect nothing but perfection from these two conductors anyway. Very seldom have either conductor disappointed me.



I cannot recommend this recording any higher. These are excellent performances."