Experience the enchanting interplay of two cellos in "A Tale of Two Cellos," a captivating album featuring the virtuoso performances of Julian Lloyd Webber and his wife, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber. Released on October 1, 2013, under the prestigious Naxos label, this album is a testament to the duo's exceptional musicianship and their ability to blend their instruments seamlessly.
The album spans a diverse range of classical compositions, each meticulously arranged by Julian Lloyd Webber to showcase the rich, resonant tones of the cello. From the hauntingly beautiful "Ave Maria" to the lively "Chiquilin de Bachin," every track is a masterclass in musical expression and technical prowess. The duo's interpretations of works by composers such as Antonín Dvořák, Gabriel Fauré, and Gustav Holst are particularly noteworthy, offering fresh perspectives on beloved classics.
"A Tale of Two Cellos" is not just an album; it's a celebration of harmony and collaboration. The chemistry between Julian and Jiaxin Lloyd Webber is palpable, their performances perfectly synchronized and imbued with a deep sense of musicality. The stylish piano accompaniment adds another layer of depth, creating a lush sonic landscape that immerses the listener in a world of pure musical bliss.
With a duration of just over an hour, this album is a perfect addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a seasoned fan of the cello or new to the instrument's enchanting sounds, "A Tale of Two Cellos" promises an unforgettable listening experience. The album's success is a testament to its quality, having topped the UK classical charts for many weeks and becoming one of Naxos Records' best-selling albums of all time.
2013 Naxos2013 Naxos
Tracks
Ave Maria in A Major (1860) (arr. J. Lloyd Webber for 2 cellos and piano)Camille Saint-Saëns, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, John Lenehan
Chiquilin de Bachin (The Little Beggar Boy) (arr. J. Lenehan for 2 cellos and piano)John Lenehan, Astor Piazzolla, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber
Madrigals, Book 7: Interrotte speranze, eterna fede, SV 132 (arr. J. Lloyd Webber for 3 cellos and harp)Claudio Monteverdi, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, Guy Johnston, Catrin Finch
The Gadfly, Op. 97: Prelude (arr. J .Lloyd Webber for 2 cellos and piano)Dmitri Shostakovich, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, John Lenehan
Choral Hymns from the Rig Veda, 3rd Group, Op. 26: No. 1. Hymn to the Dawn (arr. J. Lloyd Webber for 4 cellos and harp)Gustav Holst, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, Guy Johnston, Laura van der Heijden, Catrin Finch
My Lady Greensleeves (arr. J. Lloyd Webber for 2 cellos and piano)Roger Quilter, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, John Lenehan
12 Songs, Op. 48: No. 1. Der Engel (The Angel) (arr. J. Lloyd Webber for 2 cellos and piano)Anton Rubinstein, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, John Lenehan
Moravske dvojzpevy (Moravian Duets), Op. 38, B. 69: No. 3. Kranzlein (The Harvesters)Antonín Dvořák, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, John Lenehan
Moon Silver (arr. J. Lloyd Webber for 2 cellos and piano)William Lloyd Webber, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, John Lenehan
Sommerruh (Summer Calm), WoO 7 (arr. J. Lloyd Webber for 2 cellos and piano)Robert Schumann, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, John Lenehan
Stabat mater: Stabat mater dolorosa (arr. J. Lloyd Webber for 2 cellos and harp)Giovanni Battista Pergolesi, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, Catrin Finch
Si mes vers avaient des ailes (If my songs were only winged) (arr. J. Lloyd Webber for 2 cellos and piano)Reynaldo Hahn, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, John Lenehan
6 Choruses, Op. 15: No. 4. Zadremali volni (The Waves are Dreaming) (arr. J. Lloyd Webber for 2 cellos and piano)Sergei Rachmaninoff, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, John Lenehan
Lost is my quiet forever, Z. 502 (arr. J. Lloyd Webber for 2 cellos and harp)Henry Purcell, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, Catrin Finch
Moravske dvojzpevy (Moravian Duets), Op. 32, B. 62: No. 8. Skromna (The Modest Lass) (arr. J. Lloyd Webber for 2 cellos and piano)Antonín Dvořák, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, John Lenehan
Mädchenlieder, Op. 103: Madchenlieder, Op. 103: No. 4. An den Abendstern (Evening Star) (arr. J. Lloyd Webber for 2 cellos and piano)Robert Schumann, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, John Lenehan
Sketchbook, Op. 2: Oh, that we two were maying (arr. J. Lloyd Webber for 2 cellos and piano)Ethelbert Nevin, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, John Lenehan
Sweet and Low (arr. J. Lloyd Webber for 2 cellos and piano)Joseph Barnby, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, John Lenehan
Summer Sunset (arr. J. Lloyd Webber for 2 cellos and piano)Roger Quilter, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, John Lenehan
2 Wiegenlieder (2 Lullabies): No. 2. Estnisches Wiegenlied (Estonian Lullaby) (arr. J. Lloyd Webber for 2 cellos and piano)Arvo Pärt, Julian Lloyd Webber, Jiaxin Lloyd Webber, John Lenehan