Arnold Schoenberg acknowledged Brahms' extraordinary skill in opening out classical forms to new horizons. Some 20 years separate the composition of the cello sonatas of this composer preoccupied with the inner existence, who for all his respect for form was no academician, but continued in the style of Beethoven. They represent perfect examples of the artistry with which Brahms resolved the textural problems raised by the combination of the two instruments. Kniazev’s discography includes recordings of chamber works by Bach, Mozart, Brahms, Rachmaninov, Shostakovich, Chopin, Franck, Ysaÿe, an anthology of works for cello by Reger, Dvořák’s Cello Concerto, Tchaikovsky’s Variations on a Rococo Theme and Bloch’s Schelomo among other pieces. “This recording by Kniazev has put all previous recordings of Reger’s cello sonata’s and suites in the shade. This disc is an example of one of the finest ever interpretations of Reger’s music,” wrote Fanfare magazine (USA). He has frequently appeared in a trio with Boris Berezovsky and Dmitry Makhtin and, more recently, with Nikolai Lugansky and Vadim Repin. The musician’s discs have received high praise in expert ratings and have been awarded prestigious prizes including Germany’s Echo Klassik, France’s Diapason d’Or and Britain’s Gramophone Prize.

Alexander Kniazev is an Honoured Artist of Russia and a soloist with the Moscow Philharmonic.