Brahms: Cello Sonatas & Stanford: Ballata
Alasdair Beatson Piano
Steffan Morris Cello

Johannes Brahms’ Cello Sonata No.1 was composed at a time of great emotional upheaval in 1865. His mother was dying, and the composer, having visited her in Hamburg, had immersed himself in the music of Bach for solace. By contrast, the second sonata is a product of the tranquil summer holiday Brahms spent in the scenic lakeside suburb of Hofstetten, outside Thun in Switzerland in 1886. The work is on a large symphonic scale in four movements, and is bathed in afternoon sunlight.

Charles Villiers Stanford composed his Ballata and its companion, the Ballabile in 1918 for cello and orchestra. This is the product of the end of his compositional career, after his 7th and final symphony, and the large scale concertos. Effectively a cello concerto minus a first movement, Stanford made the version for cello and piano the same year.

Welsh cellist Steffan Morris is an acclaimed soloist, chamber, and orchestral musician who has performed internationally and held principal roles with major orchestras including the Royal Northern Sinfonia and Vienna Chamber Orchestra. Charles Villiers StanfordScottish pianist Alasdair Beatson is a celebrated soloist, chamber musician, and teacher, known for his versatility on modern and historical instruments, adventurous programming, and collaborations with leading artists at major venues and festivals worldwide.