Gavin Bryars: Farewell to Philosophy

Julian Lloyd Webber (Performer), Gavin Bryars (Composer), James Judd (Conductor), Charlie Haden (Performer), English Chamber Orchestra (Performer), Nexus (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Julian Lloyd Webber, Charlie Haden, English Chamber Orchestra, Nexus
• Conductor: James Judd
• Composer: Gavin Bryars
• Audio CD (April 15, 1997)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Philips
• ASIN: B0000040V7
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #200,991 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Farewell to Philosophy, January 24, 2000

By	rich earley (London) - See all my reviews

I love this album, but as I'm not a muso nor a classically literate listener, forgive my probably naive reasons. I found this album more accessible than others of his, but I do not think that it is in any way simplistic. Perhaps it is because it is more lyrical and less angular than other albums. Perhaps it is just that the closing piece, featuring Charlie Haden, has one of the most aching passages (and note! - trust me) that I have ever heard. Either way if you're new to Bryars I can't think of a better place to start. If you know his work then I hope you have this one. Enjoy.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Farewell to the Weird, October 24, 2003

By	John D. Dooley "PhiloX" (Southern California United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This is the most classical, enjoyable, & profound of all of Gavin Bryars modern works. Yes, the 20th century needed the experiments & Gavin Bryars has done his share, but this CD returns to classical roots while still remaining fresh & modern. The 1st section "Farewell to Philosophy" is a Concerto for cello & orchestra written for Julian Lloyd Webbers who's mastery expresses deep sorrow & beauty in a world that has thrown away philosophy. "One Last Bar, then Joe can Sing" for the 5 percussionists group Nexus is an anti John Cage near tonality, enjoyable work. "By the Vaar" was written for my favorite bassist Charlie Haden, who doesn't lose his jazz expression within this quasi jazz modern classical piece. Therefore if you have heard or bought some of Gavin Bryars works in the past & felt that something was missing, try this CD.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A versatile disc from a versatile composer, November 14, 2001

By	Paul (burlington, vt United States) - See all my reviews

This disc features three very different but worthwhile pieces. The Cello Concerto is elegiac and mournful in tone. It is a very quiet, haunting piece, but it never feels inert or without passion, and it is not "minimalist". The themes unfold slowly and achingly across the unbroken seven- movement span. The orchestration is quite graceful, especially the woodwinds and assortment of bells and chimes, nicely detailed. The whole ensemble plays with the unwavering concentration the piece demands. I could be wrong, but I think people who enjoy Elgar's Cello Concerto may enjoy this too.
"One Last Bar, Then Joe Can See", by contrast, is a dazzling piece for an arsenal of percussion instruments (once again, bells, chimes, vibes, xylophones,etc.) . This is not "head-banging" music, rather it's quite delicate and alluringly exotic.
"By the Vaar" is a wonderful synthethis of jazz and classical chamber music. It has a somber and nocturnal feel to it, and bassist Charlie Haden plays with deeply felt intensity. Highly recommended.