Andrew Lloyd Webber

Symphonic Suites

Decca, 2021

9/10

Listen to Symphonic Suites

Andrew Lloyd Webber recruits an 81 piece orchestra for this stunning performance, where 3 of his best-loved musicals are fleshed out with meticulous attention to detail at the Theatre Royal Drury Lane.

“Evita” starts the listen with a very fluid and precise, melodic approach which is met with tense bouts of firm musicianship as well as soft, agile ebbs of grace and beauty.

In the middle, “Sunset Boulevard” emits soaring strings as the stirring and exciting song craft is a triumphant cinematic experience that unfolds with a profound attention to detail.

The final track, “Phantom Of The Opera”, leads light and dreamy with the eloquent winds front and center, while the strings blend into the formula with bright and impactful percussion complementing the brass.

A fascinating listen that balances emotion, mood and warmth, Webber and company bridge music, theater and entertainment here with superb results.

Travels well with: Apollo Chamber Players- With Malice Toward None; Daniil Trifonov- BACH: The Art Of Life