Reviewed by John Irvine

This is the second commercially released recording of Tavener's "The Protecting Veil" which was such a great success at the 1988 Proms, the first recording being that by Stephen Isserlis (reviewed CR13). I have had the fortune to hear both Isserlis and Wallfisch play the piece in concert, and now I can compare them on disc. Frankly, it's no contest: Isserlis is closer to the piece and its composer and also invests it with a wonderful warmth, luminosity and grace, completely lacking in the Wallfisch recording under review. In fact Wallfisch's recording is cold by comparison and almost mechanical. On the plus side however, this is the only disc to feature all three of Tavener's cello pieces in the same recording. Also for those who find £15 plus a daunting price to pay for a classical CD, the asking price of a fiver for this collection must come as something of a welcome relief. If you want "just the music" then this is THE disc to get as an introduction to Tavener's writing and as a showpiece for his cello music. If you want a little more, then without question save up and get the Isserlis version!

The opinions expressed in this article are not necessarily those held by Cross Rhythms. Any expressed views were accurate at the time of publishing but may or may not reflect the views of the individuals concerned at a later date.

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