Hyperion Records

The Cello Sonata in A major Op 80, from 1907, is a grand work in three movements, with a gorgeous opening which heralds a sonata brimming with ideas. A review in Le Ménestrel which appeared shortly after the premiere mentions the lovely fact that the themes are more purely melodic and consequently less suitable for development than those in the violin sonata, but are more numerous. Comparing the cello part to other sonatas of the period, one feels as a cellist that Widor was not concerned with the technical possibilities or difficulties: with, for example, its employment of huge intervals, the cello part matches that of the piano for virtuosity. The Sonata was premiered by Jules Loeb and the composer on 14 March 1907 at the salon of Madame Max, who also offered the Violin Sonata Op 79 on the same programme.

from notes by Mats Lidström © 2003