On the other hand, WEA Enigma’s new record of the Rachmaninov and Debussy cello sonatas, expertly played by Julian Lloyd Webber and Yitkin Seow (K53586, 9/79), is fully competitive and holds its own in quite illustrious company. The two sonatas are not otherwise coupled together, and the Rachmaninov miniatures, Op. 2, if slight, are charming and have the benefit of novelty. The sound is more than just acceptable, and even though I agree with MH’s marginal reservation that “the tones of these extremely accomplished young players are not displayed to full advantage”, it is still both truthful and attractive enough to make it a useful alternative to Tortelier’s record in the Rachmaninov sonata (HMV ASD2587, 12/70) and a worthwhile contender in the Debussy. If these two artists have long recording careers ahead of them, Arthur Grumiaux can scarcely look back on a more satisfying issue in his extensive discography than the two Fauré violin sonatas that he has just recorded (Philips 9500 534, 7/79).

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