Conductor John Wilson's latest Sinfonia of London album is a fitting tribute to William Walton, whose music demands an approach that balances precision with passion. The album kicks off with a lively rendition of Scapino overture, where every note snaps into focus like a well-tuned instrument.
Principal cellist Jonathan Aasgaard shines in the Cello Concerto, where he brings out the poignant and anguished qualities of Walton's music. His tone is as polished as it is expressive, allowing the listener to sense the introspective melancholy that underpins this piece. When the central Allegro appassionato kicks in, Aasgaard unleashes a dazzling display of technical prowess, his playing articulated with precision.
The First Symphony also receives an exemplary treatment from Wilson and the orchestra. This is an account that surpasses even the finest previous recordings, which have included standout performances by André Previn and Edward Gardner. Here, Wilson's sure-footed pacing unlocks the opening movement's brooding tension, gradually building to a triumphant climax.
Orchestral precision is everywhere on this disc, thanks in large part to Chandos's meticulous recording. From the "con malizia" scherzo's razor-sharp wit to the slow movement's quiet pathos, every detail shines through. Even the final movement, with its Technicolor fanfares, feels like a well-deserved victory, with Wilson and his team delivering an effortless and thrilling conclusion.
Throughout this disc, Walton's music is brought to life in all its glory – a testament to the skill and dedication of conductor John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London orchestra.
Principal cellist Jonathan Aasgaard shines in the Cello Concerto, where he brings out the poignant and anguished qualities of Walton's music. His tone is as polished as it is expressive, allowing the listener to sense the introspective melancholy that underpins this piece. When the central Allegro appassionato kicks in, Aasgaard unleashes a dazzling display of technical prowess, his playing articulated with precision.
The First Symphony also receives an exemplary treatment from Wilson and the orchestra. This is an account that surpasses even the finest previous recordings, which have included standout performances by André Previn and Edward Gardner. Here, Wilson's sure-footed pacing unlocks the opening movement's brooding tension, gradually building to a triumphant climax.
Orchestral precision is everywhere on this disc, thanks in large part to Chandos's meticulous recording. From the "con malizia" scherzo's razor-sharp wit to the slow movement's quiet pathos, every detail shines through. Even the final movement, with its Technicolor fanfares, feels like a well-deserved victory, with Wilson and his team delivering an effortless and thrilling conclusion.
Throughout this disc, Walton's music is brought to life in all its glory – a testament to the skill and dedication of conductor John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London orchestra.
The way Principal cellist Jonathan Aasgaard brings out those poignant qualities in the Cello Concerto is just incredible. And let me tell you, the orchestral precision on this disc is top-notch... I mean, Chandos really did their job with the recording. It's like every detail is shining through, from the witty "con malizia" scherzo to that triumphant climax in the First Symphony 
Wilson and his team have truly done Walton's music justice - it's a testament to their skill and dedication 
The way they're able to capture the emotional depth of Walton's music, especially in pieces like the Cello Concerto and First Symphony, is just stunning! It feels like every note is perfectly in sync, you know? And I love how they've highlighted the nuances of each piece - it's clear that the orchestra is on point 
. The way the principal cellist Jonathan Aasgaard takes on the Cello Concerto is just incredible - his tone is so expressive, it feels like he's pouring his heart out on stage 
. And conductor John Wilson's pacing really makes the First Symphony feel alive! He's got this magic touch that balances precision with passion. The recording quality is also top-notch, you can really hear every detail and nuance of the music 
. It's amazing how much life they're bringing out in Walton's music - it's a true tribute to his legacy 
I am literally still reeling from how perfect this album is!!! It's like they took every last drop of passion and precision out there, squeezed it into these beautiful pieces of music, and then just let them soar 
The way Wilson balances those Walton compositions? Absolutely sublime 
The orchestra is just incredible too, every single note cracks with such clarity and joy. This disc is like a masterclass in music-making 1000%
But seriously, Jonathan Aasgaard's cello playing is insane – it's like the notes are flying off his bow! And that First Symphony... wow, it's like they're taking me back to my grandma's house, you know? 
The way Wilson brings out all those emotions in Walton's music is just incredible. I mean, I've heard some fancy recordings before, but this one takes the cake – or should I say, the CD? 
in that Cello Concerto, his tone is so polished and expressive it's like the music is speaking directly to your soul 
. And conductor John Wilson, man he knows how to bring out the best in Walton's music 
. It's a fitting tribute to William Walton's legacy and I'm so grateful to have this album to enjoy 
I mean, have you noticed that they're only praising the classical musicians now? Like, what about all the other talented artists out there? It's like they're trying to distract us from something... or someone. And what's with this "meticulous recording" thing? Sounds like a fancy way of saying they edited it to perfection 
. I'm not buying it. This John Wilson guy must be getting paid to make sure the music is just right for the elite. 
. And can we talk about the liner notes for a sec? 
They're concise and easy to read, just the right amount of info without overwhelming us with too much detail. It's all so perfectly thought out... I mean, who else but John Wilson could get it just right like that? 
john wilson as a conductor is pure magic, he really brings out the best in walton's music. i mean, scapino overture sets the tone perfectly for the whole album, it's like you can feel the energy coursing through your veins 
he has this ability to convey emotion without even saying a word, it's like his instrument is speaking directly to your soul 
yet still super emotive 
so expressive and polished 
chandos recording is top notch 
from the "con malizia" scherzo to the final fanfares it's all just magic 
can't wait to play this album over and over 
And can we talk about Jonathan Aasgaard's cello skills? 
And let's not forget about Chandos's top-notch recording skills – every detail shines through, making this album a true masterpiece! 
Every note snaps into focus like a well-tuned instrument! 
And that Cello Concerto by Jonathan Aasgaard?! 
The way Wilson brings out the melancholy in that piece... *chef's kiss* 
. I mean, William Walton's music can be kinda hit-or-miss for me - some pieces are just too dramatic or over-the-top 
. But after giving it another spin, I gotta say that John Wilson and the Sinfonia of London absolutely knock it outta the park 
! Their take on Scapino overture is infectious and lively - I found myself tapping my foot along with the beat 
. And Jonathan Aasgaard's cello playing in the Cello Concerto? Whoa, that guy can bring the feels 
... the way he conveys the introspective melancholy in Walton's music? Chills every time 
. Wilson really outdoes himself here, I mean, even top-notch recordings by André Previn and Edward Gardner are left in the dust 
. This disc feels like a symphony of emotions - passion, precision, and pure musical magic 
! The way Principal cellist Jonathan Aasgaard takes over in that Cello Concerto is pure magic 