‘Isserlis and Mustonen make a strong case for [the Kabalevsky Sonata] in a performance of grand gestures that proves a real roller coaster ride. Isserlis’s intensity and Mustonen’s pianistic weight suit the piece wonderfully well, and the tolling opening chords sound at once solemn and threatening as Isserlis traces the sorrowing first subject over them. The first climax has an almost shocking ferocity that seems to haunt the meandering scherzo-cum-waltz that eventually follows, and the finale is both hair-raising in its manic energy and thrilling as a display of technical prowess … Isserlis and Mustonen play [the Rondo in memory of Prokofiev] with the combination of lyricism and drama that characterises the rest of the disc. Very fine’ (Gramophone)

‘This superb and thought-provoking programme presents mostly lesser-known works by three Russian composers … Isserlis and Mustonen are themselves extraordinary musicians, and both clearly believe in the music they are performing … Kabalevsky’s Rondo in memory of Prokofiev [is] a sincere and truly great work in an outstanding performance’ (BBC Music Magazine)

‘In the Shostakovich Cello Sonata, Isserlis provides the lyrical narrative. He’s the storyteller—whispering, coaxing, singing and soaring—with Mustonen providing the turbulent counterpoint … playing with great gentleness and delicacy one moment, before an eruption of glittering notes propelled with a febrile intensity that reminds me of Shostakovich himself at the piano. It’s a fascinating partnership and, I think, a hugely rewarding performance … such a tremendous account … an intimately truthful recording as well … it’s my Recording of the Week’ (BBC Record Review)

‘Such a tremendous performance [of the Kabalevsky] … superb’ (BBC Record Review)

‘The Cello Sonata by Dmitri Kabalevsky has been in need of a really first-class recording ever since it was written for Rostropovich in 1962, and I wonder if Isserlis and Mustonen have made one that’s better than the piece itself … this is a recording not to be missed’ (The Strad)» More

‘It’s a tribute to Steven Isserlis and Olli Mustonen that it’s hard to imagine more thoughtful, well-prepared performances. Yet this is also playing in which everything is ‘in the moment’. Every vivid emotion—passion, anguish, hysteria, vivacity, despair—makes its mark. Mustonen brings a composer’s sensibility to his work, and a deep knowledge of these musical worlds from his other life as conductor. Isserlis is en pointe throughout—this is a tremendous partnership’ (Limelight, Australia)» More

‘Few cellists can mould a line with such attention to both light and shade … for a performance that distils the sweetness at the music’s heart, this is the one’ (The Telegraph)» More

‘All six works receive performances of the utmost quality, and the recorded sound in well up to the standards expected of Hyperion with, in particular, a highly successful balance between the instruments. Steven Isserlis, not content with being an outstanding cellist, is also a most accomplished writer, and his engaging booklet note is a positive feature of this issue … I have to hand alternative performances of the Shostakovich Sonata only, and find that this is now my favourite reading of the work’ (MusicWeb International)» More

‘This winning Russian programme, one of high twentieth-century narrative, has everything going for it. Two charismatic artists at the top of their game relishing playing with and off each other. Two powerful Cello Sonatas. A frankly magnificent Steinway D. Demonstration production standards (Jonathan Allen). Visceral sound engineering of cutting clarity and 'airy' space capturing symphonic climax as much as poetic catharsis (David Hinitt). The sort of release that grips one's imagination right from the first seconds … a triumph’ (Classical Source)» More

‘An immensely satisfying performance not just of this movement but of the entire [Shostakovich] sonata … [the Rondo in memory of Prokofiev] makes for a poignantly contemplative close to an exceptionally thoughtful selection of works’ (Presto Classical)» More

‘Whenever there’s another CD from the always wonderful Steven Isserlis in the new releases, you just know you’re in for something special, and so it proves yet again … a simply outstanding CD’ (The Whole Note, Canada)» More

«La Sonate de Kabalevsky est une merveille, les interprètes se montrant ardents dans l'Andante molto sostenuto, minutieux et tempétueux dans l'Allegretto suivant … parmi les pièces de moindre envergure qui complètent ce programme, on admire la raucité du jeu d'archet et la noirceur du clavier qui font de la Ballade de Prokofiev un pur cauchemar» (Classica, France)» More