Shostakovich & Kabalevsky: Cello Sonatas (with works by Prokofiev)

"Isserlis and Mustonen make a strong case for [the Kabalevsky] in a performance of grand gestures that proves a real roller coaster ride. Isserlis's intensity and Mustonen's pianistic weight suit the piece wonderfully well...The Shostakovich Sonata, in contrast, seems spacious and ruminative, particularly when placed beside Rostropovich's performances with Britten at Aldeburgh...The shorter pieces are also superbly done." Gramophone Editor's Choice February 2019

"The collaboration between Steven Isserlis and Olli Mustonen produce performances of real integrity and understanding which comes from their regular partnership, indeed they have recorded the Prokofiev and Shostakovich before, so they have a history with these works and it is something that shows. This is an excellent performance, one which I will be enjoying regularly in the years to come. The recorded sound is also excellent as are the booklet notes by Steven Isserlis, who sets the scene well in his essay." Recommended Recording MusicWeb March 2019