Natalie Clein - Rebecca Clarke: Viola Sonata – Bridge: Cello Sonata (LP)

Dive into the enchanting world of 20th-century English music with cellist Natalie Clein and pianist Christian Ihle Hadland. This captivating album, released on December 28, 2018, under the Hyperion label, showcases the talents of these two remarkable musicians as they explore the works of Rebecca Clarke and Frank Bridge.

The album opens with a new cello transcription of Rebecca Clarke's Viola Sonata, a piece that has been beautifully adapted for the cello by Natalie Clein. This sonata, along with Bridge's Cello Sonata, forms the core of the album, offering a rich and varied listening experience. The sonatas are interspersed with other works by Clarke and Bridge, including the Serenade, Spring Song, and Scherzo, as well as six studies in English folk song by Ralph Vaughan Williams.

The album's duration is just over an hour, providing a satisfying and immersive journey through these timeless compositions. Natalie Clein's expressive playing and Christian Ihle Hadland's sensitive accompaniment bring a fresh perspective to these well-loved pieces, making this album a standout in the classical genre. Whether you're a seasoned classical enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.