Finzi: Cello Concerto - Grand Fantasia and Toccata - Eclogue

Gerald Finzi's "Cello Concerto - Grand Fantasia and Toccata - Eclogue" is a captivating exploration of the composer's later works, released on December 17, 2001, under the Naxos label. This album is a treasure trove for classical music enthusiasts, featuring a monumental Cello Concerto in A Minor, Op. 40, which Finzi had long envisioned and is believed to be a musical tribute to his wife. The concerto, spanning nearly 40 minutes, is a grand-scale composition that showcases Finzi's mastery of orchestral and soloistic writing.

The album also includes the "Grand Fantasia & Toccata, Op. 38," originally intended as part of a projected Piano Concerto, and the serene "Eclogue, Op. 10," a piece that highlights Finzi's ability to evoke pastoral beauty through music. The performances are brought to life by the Royal Northern Sinfonia, conducted by Howard Griffiths, with Peter Donohoe on piano and Timothy Hugh on cello.

With a total duration of 1 hour and 2 minutes, this album offers a rich and varied listening experience, showcasing Finzi's unique voice in the classical music canon. The meticulous attention to detail in each piece, from the intricate cello passages to the lush orchestral textures, makes this a standout release in Finzi's discography. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Finzi's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this album provides a compelling introduction to his later creative period.