British Works for Cello and Piano - Volume 4

ELIZABETH LUTYENS (1906-1983): Constants, Op. 110, ALUN HODDINOTT (1929-2008): Cello Sonata No. 2, Op. 96/1, KENNETH LEIGHTON (1929-1988): Partita, Op. 35, RICHARD RODNEY BENNETT (1936-2012): Cello Sonata.

Description: Leighton's Partita is a substantial suite in a very tonal idiom, consisting of three main movements; an impassioned elegy, a Waltonesque scherzo and a diverse set of variations on a bell-like theme. The Lutyens is, of course, not tonal; a highly concentrated work based on a limited pitch-set (the 'Constants' are these intervals), and using 'alternative' notation for rhythmic co-ordination, it is a work of protesting lament. Both the Hoddinott and Bennett sonatas show some influence of Bartók; the former is tautly organised and emphasizes contrapuntal dialogue between the instruments, the latter in richer textures and harmony, with a similar rather extended approach to tonality. Paul Watkins (cello), Huw Watkins (piano).