David Berlin has delighted audiences for many years at the helm of the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s cello section, responding with precision and flair to countless distinguished conductors, and contributing many a fine solo along the way. What a pleasure to hear him as his own musical boss, interacting with the fine pianism of Benjamin Martin in repertoire that not only calls for great emotional scope but for nuanced musicianship.

French Cello Sonatas

Berlin’s choice of sonatas mirrors the balanced refinement he brings to his playing. Chopin’s late, great masterpiece with its unrestrained outpourings is counterweighted by the little-known sonata of Louise Farrenc (1804-75), a work that does not stray far from the bounds of the classical style. Farrenc was a remarkable woman from a family of artists who married a music publisher...