WALTON: Symphony No. 2, Viola Concerto

Daniel, Paul;
Tomter, Lars Anders;
English Northern Philharmonia

8.553402

Pride of place on Naxos goes to the thoughtful, deeply felt reading of the Viola Concerto with the Norwegian viola-player, Lars Anders Tomter. Though Tomter’s tight vibrato is at times prominent, he brings out the tender poetry of this most prominent, he brings out the tender poetry of this most elusive of Walton’s string Concertos, with its mixture of melancholy and wit. More that others, Tomter observes pianissimo markings, and rightly he adopts a flowing speed for the first movement while with delectable pointing acquire extra scherzando sparkle. The Overture is given the most exuberant performance, rivaling the composer’s own, with the orchestra’s soloist playing brilliantly. In the Symphony 2 Paul Daniel gives extra transparency to the often heavy orchestration, among the work less weighty than usual but just as warmly expressive. A superb bargain. • Penguin Guide, January 2009

CD

Muzyka klasyczna

Naxos

12-02-1996

730099440226