Pianist Sviatoslav Richter and cellist Mstislav Rostropovich were among Prokofiev's friends during the last years of his life. They inspired the composer to continue his work and he, in turn, dedicated his 1947 NinthPiano Sonata to Richter. For Rostropovich he wrote an amazing group of late works, among which was the Sonata for Cello and Piano. Both the Ninth Piano Sonata and the C Major Cello Sonata are considered masterpieces, finding Prokofiev at the height of his powers. The two Sonatinas, Op. 54 are delightful miniature Sonatas, each lasting less than 10 minutes. The two illustrious artists featured on this disc, Donohoe and Wallfisch, partner each other affectionately and in perfect harmony in this recording.

Tracklist:

Piano Sonata No. 9 In C Major, Op. 103: I. Allegretto
Piano Sonata No. 9 In C Major, Op. 103: II. Allegro Strepitoso - Andantino - Allegro Strepitoso
Piano Sonata No. 9 In C Major, Op. 103: III. Andante Tranquillo
Piano Sonata No. 9 In C Major, Op. 103: IV. Allegro Con Brio, Ma Non Troppo Presto
Piano Sonata No. 10 In E Minor, Op. 137: Allegro Moderato (Fragment)
Sonata For Cello And Piano In C Major, Op. 119: I. Andante Grave
Sonata For Cello And Piano In C Major, Op. 119: II. Moderato
Sonata For Cello And Piano In C Major, Op. 119: III. Allegro Ma Non Troppo
Piano Sonatina No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 54: I. Allegro Moderato
Piano Sonatina No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 54: II. Adagietto
Piano Sonatina No. 1 In E Minor, Op. 54: III. Allegretto
Piano Sonatina No. 2 In G Major, Op. 54: I. Allegro Sostenuto
Piano Sonatina No. 2 In G Major, Op. 54: II. Andante Amabile
Piano Sonatina No. 2 In G Major, Op. 54: III. Allegro Ma Non Troppo

UPC: 748871325623
Label: Somm Recordings
Release Date: 3.10.15
Format: CD

Prokofiev / Donohoe / Wallfisch - Piano Sonatas Volume II (CD)