A Tale of Two Cellos cover

A Tale of Two Cellos

Julian Lloyd Webber · 2013

62 min · 21 tracks · classical music

A lush tapestry of cello duets weaving classical melodies with emotive depth and pastoral elegance.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Ave Maria Start here — This track beautifully showcases the lyrical potential of the cello, capturing a serene and reflective mood that resonates throughout the album.
  • →
    The Harvesters — Featuring a lively interplay between the cellos, this piece brings a vibrant energy that highlights the instrument's versatility and expressive range.
  • →
    Sweet and Low — This arrangement infuses a gentle lullaby quality into the album, demonstrating emotional depth through its delicate phrasing and harmonies.
  • →
    Interrotte speranze — The track's intricate harmonies and poignant melody create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that encapsulates the album's overall emotional landscape.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

Instrumental
56 /100
Foothills
Higher than 47% of albums we've rated

The album showcases strong cello compositions and arrangements but lacks significant impact beyond classical circles.

What we noticed

  • The album features a consistent use of two cellos throughout, creating a rich harmonic texture that supports the melodies.
  • Each track is arranged to highlight the interplay between the two instruments, often featuring call-and-response motifs.
  • The pacing varies, with some tracks maintaining a slow, reflective tempo while others introduce more lively sections, creating dynamic contrast.
Composition 25% of the score
7/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
8/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
6/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
5/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 2/10

Little footprint beyond its audience. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • evocative melodies for introspection
  • peaceful background for relaxation
  • delicate harmonies at twilight
  • short tracks for gentle listening
  • soothing soundscapes for calm moments

Maybe skip if you

  • seeking high-energy engagement
  • prefer straightforward structures

Where this album fits

In the catalog
Experimental — Innovative arrangements for two cellos signal a departure from traditional classical formats.
Career context
By 2013, Julian Lloyd Webber was an established figure in classical music, known for his dynamic performances and acclaimed recordings. 'A Tale of Two Cellos' marked a significant exploration of the cello duo format, following his previous works that showcased solo and orchestral arrangements. This album reflects his ongoing commitment to expanding the cello repertoire and engaging with diverse musical traditions.
Stylistic neighbors
Yo-Yo Ma· Steven Isserlis· Mischa Maisky

Tracklist

  • 1 Ave Maria Start here 3:00
  • 2 The Little Beggar Boy 3:55
  • 3 Interrotte speranze 4:39
  • 4 Prelude from "The Gadfly " 3:23
  • 5 Hymn to the Dawn 3:55
  • 6 My Lady (Greensleeves) 2:56
  • 7 The Angel 3:16
  • 8 The Harvesters 1:49
  • 9 Moon Silver 2:21
  • 10 Summer Calm 3:24
  • 11 Dolorosa 3:21
  • 12 Autumn Lament 3:33
  • 13 If my songs were only winged 2:30
  • 14 The Waves Are Dreaming 2:54
  • 15 Lost is my quiet for ever 2:41
  • 16 The Modest Lass 2:16
  • 17 Evening Star 2:31
  • 18 O that we two were maying 2:31
  • 19 Sweet and Low 2:30
  • 20 Summer Sunset 2:20
  • 21 Estonian Lullaby 2:41

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata