Jacques Offenbach, the successful composer of light and spirited Parisian operas and operettas, was a gifted cellist himself. For his instrument he wrote a “Cours Méthodique de duos pour deux violoncelles”, a substantial collection of duos for two cellos. While maintaining the didactic and technically challenging form of the Étude, he wrote music which is at times charming, melodious, witty and sometimes hilarious, in the imitation of hymns, choruses, funeral marches and the sound of other instruments, such as a tuba or a French horn: a sheer delight!

The two cellists, Giovanni Sollima and Andrea Noferini, obviously enjoy themselves hugely, offering infectious and technically astounding performances.

New recordings, liner notes written by the artists.