Together with long-term duo partner Inon Barnatan, best-selling Decca cellist Alisa Weilerstein records two of the giants of ‘cello chamber music: the Rachmaninov and Chopin sonatas.

Alisa Weilerstein’s debut on Decca with the Elgar Cello Concerto (conducted by Daniel Barenboim; his first recording of this outstanding work since his earlier recording with the legendary Jacqueline du Pre) was received rapturously by critics worldwide; and her subsequent recording of the Dvorak cello concerto no less well-received.

Alisa Weilerstein and Inon Barnatan are two of the world’s leading instrumentalists, and this album clearly shows the benefits of a long-lasting chamber music partnership with two exceptional musicians, captured in their prime.

The Rachmaninov Sonata in G minor for Cello and Piano – premiered with the composer himself playing the fiendishly tricky piano part – is Rachmaninov’s last chamber music work. One of the first major pieces to be written after Rachmaninov overcame “writer’s block” with a course of hypnotherapy, this is a piece to be discovered and treasured.

Chopin’s Cello Sonata in G minor is one of the few works Chopin wrote for instruments other than the piano; and the last of his works to be published in his lifetime. Remarkable for its concentration of material, no work of Chopin’s gave him more trouble; “I write a little and cross out a lot”, wrote Chopin. Alisa and Inon bring out a wealth of feeling in this emotional rollercoaster of a piece.

By contrast, Chopin’s Introduction and Polonaise Brillante is one of his first published compositions. Full of bravura and verve, it has an undeniable feel for the spirit of the dance and a distinctive theme. Then Chopin’s Etude – essentially a nocturne – brings a dramatic change of character and mood “somber, mysterious dreams” (Heller); “a song of happiness irredeemably lost” (Koczalski).

Two instantly recognisable melodies are included here too: Rachmaninov’s gorgeous and reflective Vocalise, one of the most transcribed (‘covered’ in pop-parlance) pieces ever written; and a light, airy Andante by Chopin, sure to bring a smile as a refreshing musical sorbet.