STEPHEN HOUGH (b.1961): Sonata for Cello and Piano Left Hand "Les adieux", EDVARD GRIEG (1843-1907): Cello Sonata in A Minor, Op. 36, FELIX MENDELSSOHN (1809-1847): Cello Sonata No. 2 in D, Op. 58.

Description: Collectors of pianist Hough's suddenly burgeoning discography will find much to enjoy in his 2013 sonata, written for a pianist who had regained use of his right hand by the time the work was finished. It's a three-movement work in 20 minutes and the use of only the pianist's left hand gives it a range of dark textures and a melancholy aspect. The second movement's subheading, the Schumannesque "Im Legendenton", foreshadows an increase of passion and a climax which precedes an adagio sereno final movement. Very tonal, melodic and approachable. Steven Isserlis (cello), Stephen Hough (piano).