Dramatic Russians!
Despite a rather clangy and strangely recorded piano, this has to rank amongst the best Rachmaninoff Cello Sonata recordings - the striking romanticism and dramatic intensity reminiscent of the days of Piatagorsky. It is certainly a cut above the usual "rush to catch a train" versions we have become so accustomed to hearing.
The Kabalevsky Sonata receives a stellar reading here, with Cooke's amazing virtuosity on display and Watkins providing a marvelous wealth of piano power and brilliance. This is probably the very best version available out of slim pickings.
