Mendelssohn, Grieg & Hough: Cello Sonatas

Featuring

Steven Isserlis
Stephen Hough
Edvard Grieg
Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy

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Performer Biography

Steven Isserlis, the cellist on this recording, has written two successful children's books about music and is the artistic director of the International Musicians' Seminar in Cornwall, England.

Composition History

Stephen Hough's Cello Sonata was commissioned after cellist Steven Isserlis suggested the idea for a left-hand piano sonata to Hough, inspired by a mutual pianist friend who couldn't use his right hand.

Compositional Technique

The Adagio movement of Mendelssohn's Cello Sonata No. 2 features a Bach-influenced piano chorale answered by a distinctly Hebraic cello recitative, possibly reflecting Mendelssohn's Jewish roots.

Compositional Technique

Stephen Hough's Sonata for cello and piano left hand uses only the left hand for the piano part, creating a distinctive range of dark textures, and is subtitled 'Les adieux'.

Composer's Artistic Vision

All three sonatas on this album were written by pianist-composers, require considerable virtuosity from both players, and combine classical forms with a passionately romantic spirit.

Composition History

Mendelssohn's Cello Sonata No. 2 in D major was dedicated to Count Wielhorsky, a Russian amateur cellist who was also the dedicatee of Schumann's famous piano quartet.

Composition History

Grieg's Cello Sonata was composed during a difficult period for him in Bergen, winter 1882-83, after he had abandoned an attempt to write a second piano concerto.