Joseph Spooner's eloquent cello finds exactly the right style for this survey of largely Victorian cello music, including the Cello Sonata in E minor of 1861 by Walter Macfarren, notable for its lyrical impetus and cascading piano accompaniment. Also heard are Michael Balfe's tuneful Sonata in A flat from the late 1860s, and Edgar Bainton's imposing Sonata of 1924, contemporary with sonatas by Delius, Bax and Ireland and with which it shares period and imagery. Coleridge-Taylor's Variations in B minor, Rosalind Ellicott's A Reverie (1888) and a charming Roger Quilter song arrangement (To Daisies) complete a tuneful and original programme.

Walter MacFarren
Cello Sonata in E minor (premiered 1861) KM
(i) Allegro appassionato
(ii) Allegretto giojoso
(iii) Adagio, pi tosto recitativo Allegro giojoso

Michael Balfe
Cello Sonata in A flat major (c. 1866-70)
(i) Allegro
(ii) Adagio
(iii) Allegro vivace

Rosalind Ellicott
A Reverie (published 1888):
Andante tranquillo

Samuel Coleridge-Taylor
Variations in B minor (1905):
Moderato Poco pi mosso Allegro a tempo (Allegro) Larghetto Vivace

Roger Quilter
To Daisies op.8 no.3 (1906, transcribed 1918):
Andante espressivo

Edgar Bainton
Cello Sonata (1924)*
(i) Allegro moderato
(ii) Allegretto
(iii) Lento
(iv) Allegro molto

Joseph Spooner (cello)
with Michael Jones (piano), except KM Kathryn Mosley (piano)

World premiere recordings, except * first CD recording

Recorded:
Potton Hall, Suffolk, 21-23 May 2008

CDLX 7225

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“In many ways this disc is revelatory in terms of repertoire. It is also a delight to listen to and is unhesitatingly recommended.” Colin Clarke, Fanfare, September/October 2009

“... a fine all-round anthology ... this newcomer is an equally solid addition to the catalogue.” Piers Burton-Page, International Record Review, June 2009