Felix Mendelssohn:
- Cello Sonata No. 1 in B flat major, Op. 45
- Lied ohne Worte (Song Without Words) in D major, Op. 109
- Assai tranquillo (Albumblatt) in B minor
- Variations concertantes in D major, Op. 17
Fanny Mendelssohn-Hensel
- Sonata o Fantasia in G minor
- Capriccio in A flat major
Felix Mendelssohn:
- Cello Sonata No. 2 in D major, Op. 58

Since both of the Sonatas for Cello and Piano by Felix Mendelssohn (1809-1847) each benefit from over 30 recordings, they are obviously some of this composer's popular works. And it's easy to understand why. The outer Allegro movements are bustling with activity, melodic invention and highly spirited crosstalk between the instruments. Both Joël Marosi and Esther Walker infuse these movements with a multitude of subtle expressive and dynamic shadings which bring the music to life at all times. And they certainly well define the lyricism and doleful character of the slower movements. Marosi's well-judged portamento and highly cantabile style enhance the music's elegant flow.

Oddly enough, after only a few listening sessions, it's the Sonata o Fantasia in G minor by Fanny Mendelssohn (1805-1847) which is now my favored piece within this collection. Its luxuriant singing tone in the higher register and gravitas in the lower notes, combined with its Chopinesque touch of melancholy, is perfect for this pair of instruments, and Marosi and Walker elevate it to a higher level with deeply expressive playing. The audio recording itself sounds very natural and avoids focusing undue attention to one or the other instrument, but rather marries the two seamlessly.