Gabriela Montero & Gautier Capuçon* meet in this program of works for cello and piano by Rachmaninov and Prokofiev. The sonatas were composed 48 years apart and each composer only wrote one such work each - yet the program brings forth the two composers similarities, just as it brings out the similar musical sensibilities of the two young performers featured. When Gabriela and Gautier met in Lugano, under the aegis of Martha Argerich, a great friendship and an exciting musical partnership was born. Their encounter brought forth a series of concerts and it was then decided to record this program of Russian music. 

Gabriela Montero’s visionary interpretations and unique improvisational gifts have won her a quickly expanding audience and devoted following around the world. She is an extraordinary performer in recital and with many noted orchestras and has released several recordings including the GRAMMY-nomiated Baroque.

“Montero’s playing had everything: crackling rhythmic brio, subtle shadings, steely power...soulful lyricism...unsentimental expressivity.” -The New York Times

“She played Rachmaninoff’s Rhapsody on a Theme by Paganini and did so impressively: with intelligence, technical skill, and flair.” -The New York Sun

Award-winning cellist Gautier Capuçon has taken the international music world by storm with his recital, orchestral and chamber music performances around the globe since winning the Victoires de la Musique as “New Talent of the Year” in 2001. His recordings on the Virgin Classics label have received great
critical acclaim. Mr. Capuçon’s 2009 release of Dvorak and Herbert was named Editor’s Choice from Gramophone Magazine.

“... Gautier Capuçon gives distinctive, characterful and intense performances of both works...It is Capuçon’s gift to play with warm intensity....and the result is magical....” -Gramophone

*Gautier Capuçon appears courtesy of Columbia Artists Management

A recording of this program is available on EMI Classics.