What started out as a single seed of an idea by Dutch cellist Doris Hochscheid to collect and present music for cello by Dutch composers, has grown and flowered into a cornucopian and anthological compendium of cello music now in its 9th volume. Not only has this series of recordings been praised by cello music enthusiasts for its varied and wide array of pieces and composers, but it's also sought-after by audiophiles for its audio quality. Audiomax is a sub-label of MDG which employs a trademark 3D 2+2+2 natural acoustic recording technology. Playable on either SACD surround sound equipment or just regular stereo, it conjures up the sonic ambience and musical intimacy of a 19th century salon.

Volume 9 features the music of Daniel van Goens (1858-1904), a French cellist and composer of Dutch descent. Generally light and pleasant in nature, his writing's focus is first and foremost on the melodic line, often supported by a waltzy, alfresco rhythmic flow. With titles like Valse de Concert, Danse Villageoise, Valse Pittoresque, Berceuse, this is salon music at its finest. Some of his music can also be heard on Vol. 2 of this series.

All of the pieces pair the cello and piano expertly well. And accordingly, Doris Hochscheid and Frans van Ruth, who have been collaborating on this extensive series of recordings since 2008, know a thing or two about musicianship. As if an extension of each other, they complement each other's phrasing, dynamics and rubato extremely well. Perfect listening material for the upcoming summer months.