Sol Gabetta: The Chopin Album

Little-known works by Chopin, beautifully performed. Classic FM Drive Featured Album, 9 February 2015.

Here is an unusual selection of pieces by Chopin, more often known solely for his piano works, as well as compositions by his close friend, the composer and cellist Auguste-Joseph Franchomme.

Argentinian cellist Sol Gabetta and the superb young pianist, Bertrand Chamayou, came up with the concept of this album together and are now touring the repertoire in Europe.

The centrepiece of the album is Chopin's 30-minute long Sonata for cello and piano in G minor – one of the rare pieces Chopin wrote for a solo instrument other than his beloved piano. It makes for striking listening. Also here is the Grand Duo concertant in E major, written jointly by Chopin and Franchomme in 1832. Gabetta and Chamayou have additionally selected one of Franchomme's Nocturnes for Cello and Piano especially for this album. 

The repertoire here is little-known and somewhat unfamiliar but Gabetta performs with her trademark grace and intimacy to bring a special, heartfelt romanticism to these works, which are well worth discovering.