Although he is best remembered for his highly regarded stage and orchestral works, Roussel also composed a significant body of masterful yet relatively unknown chamber music. The Romantic early First Violin Sonata is an epic journey of soaring majesty, while the later Second Violin Sonata is dramatic and succinct, sharing its dynamic neo-Classical style with the String Trio, Roussel’s last completed work.

Albert Roussel is remembered as teacher to the likes of Martinů, Varèse and Satie, and in terms of his composing is probably best known today for orchestral works such as his Second Symphony, considered ‘one of the shattering masterpieces of the 20th century literature’ (ClassicsToday.com on 8570529).

A considerable force in the chamber music world, acclaimed violinist David Bowlin and pianist Tony Cho are established as the Bowlin-Cho Duo. Alongside cellist Dmitry Kouzov they also form the Oberlin Trio, whose volume in our Haydn Piano Trios edition (8574385) was considered to be ‘nothing short of fetching… Felicity, finesse, and good cheer are hallmarks of these performances, and I, for one, would not be unhappy to have the Oberlin Trio remain onboard to complete the remaining volumes of this survey, however many that may turn out to be’ (Fanfare).