Russian masters: Cello sonatas and short pieces by Prokofiev, Shostakovich, etc

Thoughtful, expansive readings of the two great Soviet cello sonatas from a young artist possessed of enviable technique and a rich tonal palette. Tempi are often broad, though occasionally not entirely consistently; but at his best (the opening of the Prokofiev, for example) both he and Fedorova can be very convincing. The inclusion of a pleasing sequence of miniatures by Tchaikovsky, Glazunov, Borodin and Shchedrin makes for a very generous programme, though unusually for this label (and venue), the recording flatters the cello more than the piano.

GUY WEATHERALL Read the full review on Agora Classica