Algernon Ashton, born in Durham in 1859, is one of the best-kept secrets in British music, with a generous output of piano music, chamber works and songs.

Although Ashton’s writing for both cello and piano is virtuosic, what strikes the ear is the quality of his melodic inspiration - the lyrical immediacy of his tunes suggests Schubert, set in a style of Brahmsian richness.

Evva Mizerska, born in Poland, studied at the Frédéric Chopin Academy of Music in Warsaw and Trinity College of Music in London. She is currently a cello lecturer at Morley College.

A professor at the Guildhall School of Music & Drama in London, the Neapolitan pianist Emma Abbate pursues a varied career as a chamber musician, vocal coach and teacher. She also works for organisations including Opera North, and acts as a staff accompanist at Trinity College of Music. She is a graduate of the S Pietro a Majella Conservatoire in Naples, the S Cecilia Conservatoire in Rome and Trinity College of Music.

This CD, one of two which will present all of Ashton’s music for cello and piano, marks the 75th anniversary of his death.

All the works recorded here are receiving their first recording.