Cellist Li-Wei, a silver medalist at the 1998 Tchaikovsky Competition, has no shortage of technical mastery of his instrument, nor of an ability to draw luscious, soulful tones from his beautiful Guarnerius cello. Most aspects of his musicianship are equally well-endowed with one notable exception: tempo selection. Given Li-Wei's abilities and the stunningly refined accompaniment given by the
Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, this recording of
Elgar's cello concerto has so much potential to be an excellent one. Many of Li-Wei's tempo choices, however, are slow; make that very slow. This is especially noticeable in the first and third movements, which drag interminably at times, but even the Allegro molto of the second movement isn't as dazzling as it could be.
The remainder of the album is devoted to two additional works of
Elgar that are all but ignored in concert halls: Sea Pictures and the Prelude from The Kingdom. Of these two, Sea Pictures by far steals the show. Mezzo-soprano Elizabeth Campbell's painting of the oceanic landscape is enhanced by the sensitive and informed leadership of
Nicholas Braithwaite at the helm of the orchestra. Tempo choice here also seems more in line with the music and text at hand.