Camille Thomas & Julien Libeer

Why look further afield when the best musicians live right on your doorstep? When cellistCamille Thomas and pianist Julien Libeer share the stage, there is pure symbiosis. Once you’ve heard this recital for true romantics, you’re certain to agree.

The beautiful Sonata in A by César Franck is one of their all-time favourites. Franck wrote it as a wedding present for the violinist Eugène Ysaÿe. The original violin version has a heavenly, angelic sound; whilst the earthy, human tone of the transcription for cello is certain to get under your skin even more.

Shostakovich’s cello sonata reveals some surprising Late Romantic traits. According to the cellist Viktor Kubatski, who first performed the work together with the composer, the sonata came about as a result of a matrimonial dispute. Is this what lies behind its sometimes lyrical, sometimes sarcastic tone?