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In the Forum: Musical Discussions
In the Thread: Great Cello Concertos
Post Subject: Lynn Harrell playing Herbert's Concertos 1 & 2Posted by Paul S on: 9/11/2012
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Victor Herbert, Cello Concertos 1 & 2, and 5 Pieces for Cello and Strings; London CD, D-125316, with Neville Marriner conducting his Academy of St. Martin in the Fields orchestra; Lynn Harrell, Cello.
Although I have never been a fan of Marriner's, nor AoSMitF, I very much like Lynn Harrell's rendition of Mendelssohn's Cello Sonata (with James Levine on piano), so I thought I'd try this CD, to try more of Harrell and also a "serious" work from Victor Herbert. Herbert was wildly popular in his day for his light opera, and these cello concertos are said to have inspired Dvorak to go ahead and pen his own very-inspiring cello concerto, despite initial misgivings.
Be any or all of this as it may, I was not inspired either by the music, nor any of the play, at least not for any serious stretch. I got tired of all the same mindless "marching" that I hate in the light opera, Marriner and the AoSMitF were pedestrian, and Lynn Harrell was a pure disappointment. Oh, he can play, all right (just listen to this part!), but I would have left early rather than sit and listen to both cocertos on the same evening out.
I guess I can see/hear how the best parts of these works might have inspired Herbert's friend, Dvorak. But the inspiration might just as well have come when D realized that he could easily do better!
As for Harrell, the jury is still out, since I have not heard eough of him to render a "judgement". I did, however opt out of going to hear him perform locally, about a month ago; just a "feeling". I heard the next day that it was very poor play, all show and no go.
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