Grieg and Mendelssohn both had cellist brothers, who inspired two Romantic masterpieces. To mark their 35 years of performing together, Raphael Wallfisch and John York pair these unabashedly exuberant sonatas with two beautiful 20th century works of great personal significance. Kenneth Leighton was a good friend of Wallfisch and his father, while his student, James MacMillan wrote his first sonata for this very duo. The music of both composers shares a wonderful life-affirming intensity and idiomatic approach to the instruments.

Please note that the Cello Unwrapped brochure incorrectly lists Leighton Elergy for cello and piano Op. 5 in this programme. We apologise for this error and for any disappointment caused.