GIUSEPPE MARTUCCI (1856-1909): Complete Works for Cello and Piano - Sonata in F Sharp Minor, Op. 52, 3 Pezzi, Op. 69, 2 Romanze, Op. 72, Romanza from Melodia, Op. 71 (transcr. Martucci).

Description: The 30-minute sonata of 1880 is a broadly lyrical and attractively melodic version of the sonatas often written by youthful composers but the Op. 69 Pezzi are another matter: don't be fooled by their anonymous title; these are three sonata-movement-length pieces lasting almost half an hour which have the depth of thought and mastery of expression of late Liszt although without stretching tonal boundaries. For once a booklet note claiming them as "among the foremost chamber works of the entire late 1800s" doesn't seem hyperbolic. Roberto Trainini (cello), Massimiliano Ferrati (piano).