Clara Schumann: Cello Sonatas (Naxos Audio CD)

• Camillo Schumann’s work encompasses almost all musical genres. Over three hundred compositions have been listed with chamber music occupying the biggest part of his output. He wrote three piano trios, five sonatas for piano and violin, three cello sonatas, two horn sonatas, two clarinet sonatas, two oboe sonatas, a flute sonata and many other compositions for various instrumental combinations. Almost all of these works were never published and exist only in manuscript.

• The cello sonatas and concert pieces on this disc also demonstrate Schumann’s own distinctive melodic gifts, his virtuosic writing for the piano and his emotional intensity. The fire and energy, mercurial instrumental interplay and arching lyricism of his music are masterfully handled by the internationally renowned cellist Maria Kleigel in partnership with pianist Francesco Piemontesi, who was recently selected as a BBC New Generation Artist.

“She is talented not only in interpreting but also in analysis of the technical cello elements…” - Mstislav Rostropovich.