Complete Works for Cello & Piano

"Not to be missed...The playing here combines breadth and urgency with, for example, a touching tenderness in the simplicity of the slow introduction to the C major Sonata Op 102 No 1...It all adds up to a valuable set for admirers both of Queyras and Melnikov, and of Beethoven." The Telegraph, 23rd September 2014 ****

"Melnikov has already proved himself such a sensitive, thoughtful accompanist to Isabelle Faust in the complete violin sonatas, here shows himself to be just as fine a partner in the cello sonatas. Queyras is a flexible, vibrant cellist, full of the vigour and emotion of the early works, but the passion of the late works does not elude him either. This set confirms Queyras as an estimable talent with a lot to offer. The presentation and documentation are up to HM's usual high standards." (MusicWeb Jan 2015)

"His cello always speaks with its own conversational voice, not as the music's curator but as its protagonist...Melnikov rewards that primary focus given to him in the variations and the early Op. 5 Sonatas with great precision of effect - colour, nuance and expression - that's not often encountered even among the best chamber music players." (Gramophone)

"a virtuoso pairing of noteworthy technical brilliance and arresting power…very highly recommended...Both accounts are superlative, and recorded sound throughout harmonia mundi's cycle is especially pleasing and natural, with the cello's entire register effortlessly reproduced. In sum, this proves to be a deeply rewarding Beethoven cycle from these artists, offering much in the way of novel and unexpected insight." (International Record Review)

"Queyras and Alexander Melnikov are dynamic and daring in the sonatas, a bit more laid back and ruminative in their approach to the variations. I find their interpretive choices sensible and just … Harmonia mundi's sound is a thing of beauty, too, reflecting a lush, lively acoustic...yet maintaining pinpoint detail and presence. If you're looking for a modern-instruments performance of the Beethoven chamber works with cello, this set is a very reliable choice." (AudAud.com)