Oration is a magnificent, brooding work and Raphael Wallfisch brings the same level of passion and commitment to it that characterized his recent, outstanding release of the Shostakovich cello concertos (and chamber music with cello). There’s a touch of graininess to his tone that suits this music particularly well; however it is just this quality that for some listeners might compromise his take on the Elgar concerto, which could do with a mellowness more in keeping with the work’s wistful demeanor.
That said, the gruff and boisterous finale is a winner, as is the aptly sensitive account of Holst’s Invocation, a piece that seems to exist only on disc because its brevity makes it virtually impossible to program in concert. The accompaniments under Richard Dickins are totally at one with the solos; the orchestra also plays very well, and the sonics are clear and well-balanced. I don’t suppose we really need another version of the Elgar, but for the Bridge alone, this disc is a keeper.
