Beethoven Prejudiced in its favour, this CD cannot match the competition. Tomkins slides between notes in a manner that I cannot think 'authentic' and Zivian brought no special understanding to his Lagrassa/Beunk instrument in the Bagatelles - try Nicholson for those.. Disappointing. Lionel Handy & Nigel Clayton Messiaen: Thème et Variations (arr. Handy): Louange à l’Éternité de Jésus Martinu: Sonata No. 1 for Cello & Piano Joe Cutler: Music for Parakeets Carter: Sonata for Cello & Piano Messiaen Cadenza CACD 0906 Sad to relate, this interesting programme is also undistinguished in achievement. These are good professional instrumentalists, with solid CVs, but their recording lacks the flair and conviction the Carter demands, and the dry studio acoustic doesn't help. The sort of disc that should sell at recitals, but cannot be generally recommended. Peter Grahame Woolf |