Review: Laura van der Heijden – Cello Concertos by Walton, Bridge, Frances-Hoad

Cellist Laura van der Heijden is part of the Kaleidoscope Chamber Collective, which was favorably reviewed in these pages. For her first concerto album, she presents cello concertos by established English composers William Walton and Frank Bridge, alongside a contemporary work by Cheryl Frances-Hoad. She is Joined by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under conductor Ryan Wigglesworth

Those familiar with Bridge’s Cello Sonata will recall how the composer’s lush harmonic language and phrasing often paint a vivid and rhapsodic emotional picture. In his Oration (“Concerto Elegiaco for cello and orchestra”) which commemorates those lost in WWI, a similar sort of complex tonal language exists, but in a far darker context.

The BBC Scottish Symphony establishes the right balance between subtlety and disquietude in the opening of the Lento (track 1), and the dissonances might even call to mind touches of Benjamin Britten (who, interestingly enough, was Bridge’s composition student). In the cello solo midway through, van der Heijden gives the instrument a convincing human-like quality, especially in the grains of the lower notes.

The faster movements like the Allegro (track 2) shifts gears toward a more angst-driven profile. While van der Heijden delivers a nuanced performance, there’s a sense of holding back at times. A touch more boldness in the upper register passages could enhance the raw emotional intensity, described in the liner notes as “rhetorical lamentation.” The scampering textures of the Allegro Giusto (track 4) could use more bite to carry across the jittery character.

Walton’s Cello Concerto evokes a similar sense of suspense with the Bridge. Here, van der Heijden’s beautiful, soft tone (track 12) may not fully capture the desired intensity. The clock-like pizzicatos in the orchestral accompaniment are essential in helping derive more layers of texture but here they tend to recede into the background. Listeners seeking a more vibrant approach might enjoy Steven Isserlis’ recording with Paavo Järvi, which presents vibrant solo line and razor-precise “tick-tick” of the plucked strings.

Perhaps incorporating a touch more expressive phrasing could further enhance the emotional impact of Allegro Appassionato (track 13), where the music builds towards a moment of heightened intensity. Here the feeling is more confused and breathless than tumultuously driven. The orchestra does provide a strong support, particularly with the percussion and brass, adding depth and power during the charged moments.

Cheryl Frances-Hoad’s “Earth, Sea, and Air” delivers the energy that may have been missing in the previous works. Earth (track 9) possesses fitting verve and ferocity to command the listener’s attention. Sea (track 10), with its open harmonies and strong presence from the low strings, recreate the cavernous experience of being underwater, and the final section is an impressive display of sweeping sonority.

Air (track 11) shows France-Hoad’s knack for creative orchestration. The movement relies on a motif of meandering, slithering lines between the cello, winds, and strings; the excitement comes from interweaving which disorients and reorients the listener. Although van der Heijden could potentially benefit from a touch more brilliance in the high register, the movement as a whole embraces an exciting, dynamic world of chaos.

Chandos’ sound engineering unfortunately doesn’t do much to bolster the musicians’ efforts: the cello part was often obscured in the ensemble, and the orchestral interludes lack clarity and resonance. All things considered, I really wished the performances would have matched up to the thoughtful curation. The Frances-Hoad is well worth it, but for the Bridge and Walton concertos, other well-established recordings remain perennial recommendations.

Recommended Comparisons

Isserlis | Ma | Schwabe | Lloyd Webber

Frank Bridge – Oration (Concerto Elegiaco)
Cheryl Frances-Hoad – Cello Concerto “Earth, Sea, Air”
Sir William Walton – Cello Concerto
Laura van der Heijden – Cello
BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra
Ryan Wigglesworth – Conductor

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