Martinu composed more music for cello and piano than any major composer since Beethoven, and much of his output for this difficult combination remains virtually unknown. This disc fills a useful repertoire gap, containing as it does only non-sonata music. I was less than impressed with the Bendas’ somewhat rough-and-ready approach to the three cello sonatas in Volume 1 of this series, but things sound better here. Perhaps the lighter tone of the music permits them to take it all a bit less seriously, but cellist Christian Benda’s tone appears in a markedly more winsome light, and Sebastian Benda balances his partner with more consideration. Both players spring the rhythms across the bar lines in the way Martinu always demands, and the Naxos recording captures them faithfully. The music itself is delightful: try the delicious Pastorales for a surprising treat that’s actually a larger work than any of the better-known sonatas (the four Nocturnes are similarly expansive). The two variation sets also offer an abundance of charm and insouciant wit. Where has this music been? Well, now there’s no excuse for not getting to know it! [9/16/2000]
