Cello Sonata in A minor, Op. 36

Grieg wrote this, his only cello sonata, during a difficult winter in Bergen in 1882-83, returning to composition after a long stretch consumed by conducting duties and illness. The first movement opens with an agitated, driving theme that bears a close family resemblance to the famous A minor Piano Concerto, but the relationship is organic rather than imitative: Grieg was recycling his own emotional language, not repeating himself lazily. The slow middle movement draws on a march theme from his earlier incidental music to Sigurd Jorsalfar, and the finale moves through several contrasting dance-like rhythms before closing with energy.

What to listen for

In the first movement, watch for the moment when the forward momentum suddenly stops for a solo cello cadenza, unaccompanied and free in rhythm, before the piano re-enters to pull the movement back together. The second movement introduces a broad, singing melody in the cello that starts very simply and builds into a fuller texture as the piano takes on a more active role. Throughout all three movements, the piano writing is unusually substantial, carrying thematic material of its own rather than functioning as mere accompaniment.

Recommended rendition

The recording by cellist Steven Isserlis and pianist Stephen Hough on Hyperion has been frequently cited for the balance the two players achieve, with Isserlis's expressive line matched by Hough's detailed and attentive pianism.

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