Much as I love exploring lesser-known repertoire, there are times when I wonder if the wealth of works for cello and piano is finite … and then something else turns up. So I’m really pleased about the works on my forthcoming disc with pianist Duncan Honeybourne for Prima Facie. Not only have Duncan and I recorded the magnificent Sonata by E. J. Moeran, we are presenting it alongside Moeran’s ‘Prelude’ and his ‘Irish Lament’. All these works have been recorded separately, but have never been presented together.
The rest of the disc – another three sonatas! – consists entirely of premiere recordings. There is the sonata by Richard Pantcheff, a work of persuasive passion and drama from the early 1980s. This is preceded by the unpublished sonata by Greville Cooke, a composer brought to light by Duncan; this is a work that evokes the music of earlier twentieth century, with a profoundly moving slow movement. Lastly, Duncan and I are delighted to be offering the first recording of the sonata by Gordon Jacob. How has this escaped attention? It is a very intense work, and presents considerable technical challenges to the performers, but it is hugely rewarding for the listener. I’ll be posting here when the disc is released.
