The 5th instalment in the innovative series 'French Cello Sonatas' presents the magnificent Cello Sonata by Guillaume Lekeu. Guillaume Lekeu (1870-1894) was born in Heusy, near Verviers, already showing an early interest in music and he began composing as a teenager. After moving to Paris, he studied with Cesar Franck and later with Vincent d'Indy, both of whom strongly influenced his musical language. Despite his short life-he died of typhoid fever at the age of only twenty-four-Lekeu produced a body of work distinguished by it's emotional depth, rich harmonies, and highly personal style. His music combines the cyclical forms of Franck with the expressive intensity of Wagner and the structural influence of Beethoven.Among Lekeu's chamber works, the Cello Sonata in F major occupies a special place. Composed in 1888 when he was only eighteen years old, the sonata reveals an astonishing level of maturity and originality. Written in four movements, it already displays many characteristics that would define his later music: long, singing melodies, chromatic harmonies, and a deeply introspective atmosphere. The work alternates between passionate outbursts and moments of lyrical tenderness, creating a powerful emotional narrative. Rather than treating the piano as a simple accompaniment, he creates a true dialogue between the two performers. The music often conveys a sense of longing and melancholy, qualities that became hallmarks of his style. As a fitting addition we hear the hauntingly beautiful Larghetto for cello and orchestra, in the arrangement for cello and piano.This is the 5th instalment of the 'French Cello Sonatas', played by Marina Tarasova and Ivan Sokolov. Their earlier issues have won uniform enthusiastic critical acclaim. 'The Boellmann and Widor sonatas merit the very best performances they can possibly have, and in the hands of Marina Tarasova and Ivan Sokolov, they receive them. Tarasova's full-throated, richly coloured cello tone sings with glorious voice, while Sokolov's piano serves as continuo in an elaborate counterpoint for and against the cello, always in perfect harmonization.' (Fanfare).