Sonata in G minor, Op. 19, for violoncello and pianoforte
1 Lento — Allegro moderato. 2 Allegro scherzando. 3 Andante. 4 Allegro mosso played by Antoni Sala (violoncello)
Gerald Moore (pianoforte)
Rachmaninoff's Sonata for cello and piano belongs to that group of fine works, such as the Symphony No. 2 in E minor and the Piano Concerto No. 2 in C minor, written at the turn of the present century, all of which show a curious thematic relationship, particularly in the case of the C minor Piano Concerto and the Cello Sonata.
The Cello Sonata is said to be one of the most popular of Rachmaninoff's compositions with his compatriots. It is beautifully written for both instruments, and the music is characteristically lyrical in style and sombre in mood.