A period of twenty-one years separates Brahms' two Cello Sonatas. Suffused with lyricism and expressive ardor, the First has become one of his most popular chamber works. The Second is more sober and succinct than the earlier work, yet strikingly original not least for the wide range required of the cellist to reach unusually high notes from the very low register. Chosen to suit the cello's particular color and articulation, the six songs are heard in idiomatic and sensitive arrangements which stay as close as possible to the originals.