Delius & Grieg: The complete works for cello and piano

Delius’s Sonata for Cello and Piano (1916. In this performance Raphael Wallfisch and John York capture perfectly the fleeting ebb and flow of Delius’ creation. What a wonderful partnership Wallfisch and York make, instinctively weaving the sound around each other.
The wistful flow of the Lento molto tranquillo is beautifully played by Wallfisch with John York wonderfully fluent. There is hardly a break in the flow of melody making this a demanding work for the cellist.

Romance (1896). Raphael Wallfisch produces a really passionate and anguished tone in the climaxes. Chanson d’Automne (1911) has been transcribed by John York for Cello and Piano from one of Delius’ songs. This brief piece results in something of a gem and is exquisitely played.

Grieg’s Sonata for Cello and Piano in A minor Op.36 (1883). The sonata explores all the depth and expressiveness that the cello can offer and in this recording there is some terrific playing from both Wallfisch and York.

The recording is excellent and there are excellent notes by John York. This is a lovely disc.

The The Classical Reviewer 21 September 2012