Beethoven: Cello Sonatas & Variations - Gautier Capucon, Frank Bailey (2 CDs)

Following on from last year's live recording of the Shostakovich cello concertos, this album sees Gautier return to the studio with his friend and recital partner of many years, Frank Braley, in a program of Beethoven's Sonatas for Cello and Piano. In addition the album includes Beethoven's wonderful variations on three different themes - two on arias from Mozart's opera Die Zauberflöte, and the other from Handel's Judas Maccabaeus. This is the first new recording of the complete Beethoven cello works for some time and is a long-awaited release. Making a guest appearance on the album is Erato cellist Edgar Moreau, who plays in the group of pieces by Falla. "This was the first time Edgar and I played together," says Garcia. "It felt spontaneous, like two friends getting to know each other."

Cello Sonata No. 1 in F Major, Op. 5 No. 1: I. Adagio Sostenuto - Allegro
Cello Sonata No. 1 in F Major, Op. 5 No. 1: II. Rondo - Allegro Vivace
Cello Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 5 No. 2: I. Adagio Sostenuto Ed Espressivo - Allegro Molto Più to
Cello Sonata No. 2 in G minor, Op. 5 No. 2: II. Rondo - Allegro
Cello Sonata No. 3 in a Major, Op. 69: I. Allegro Ma Non Tanto
Cello Sonata No. 3 in a Major, Op. 69: II. Scherzo - Allegro Molto
Cello Sonata No. 3 in a Major, Op. 69: III. Adagio Cantabile - Allegro Vivace
Cello Sonata No. 4 in C Major, Op. 102 No. 1: I. Andante - Allegro Vivace
Cello Sonata No. 4 in C Major, Op. 102 No. 1: II. Adagio - Tempo D'andante - Allegro Vivace
Cello Sonata No. 5 in D Major, Op. 102 No. 2: I. Allegro Con Brio
Cello Sonata No. 5 in D Major, Op. 102 No. 2: II. Adagio Con Molto Sentimento D'affetto - Attaca
Cello Sonata No. 5 in D Major, Op. 102 No. 2: III. Allegro - Allegro Fugato
7 Variations on "Bei Männern, Welche Liebe Fühlen", from Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, Woo 46
12 Variations on "Ein Mädchen Oder Weibchen", from Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, Op. 66
12 Variations on "See, the Conqu'ring Hero Comes", from Handel's Judas MacCabaeus, Woo 45