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Cello Sonatas (Nos. 1 & 2)

Johannes Brahms

Cello, Piano

Jacqueline du Pré, Daniel Barenboim

late 60s

Gil's top choice. A beautiful recording. Du Pré was so involved emotionally; 'nothing else matters... just her and that cello.' Barenboim matches her. Excellent for these quintessential romantic works.

Apple Music

Pierre Fournier, Wilhelm Backhaus

mid-50s

Fournier brings that poise and taste. A little more disciplined in his phrasing, but also flexible and beautiful.

Apple Music
YouTube — Cello Sonata No. 1 only.
Label: Decca

Mstislav Rostropovich, Rudolf Serkin

1983 Digital sound.

More on the mellow side comparatively. Not as assertively dramatic, but you get that beautiful tone from Rostropovich and wonderful chemistry with Serkin. A rewarding, different way to hear the works.

Apple Music

Pablo Casals, Mieczysław Horszowski

Cello Sonata No. 2 1936

Animated, energetic playing with Casals’s characteristic involvement in the music.

Apple Music