Today Albert Dietrich continues to be known above all as the composer of the introductory Allegro movement of the “F-A-E Sonata” (a joint project with Brahms and Schumann). However, our release of Dietrich’s symphony and violin concerto has shown that his previously unknown music is more than just an ordinary discovery. Even during his later years as the Oldenburg court music director (1861-91) he was a highly esteemed composer whose works were frequently performed. The fact that Brahms valued him very highly not only as a friend – whom he quite often visited in Oldenburg in order to have the opportunity to play music with him – but also as a composer further attests to his quality. Dietrich’s impressive works for violoncello and piano form the focus of this recording, which also includes pieces for piano solo. His Sonata for Piano and Violoncello covers a broad spectrum – from the first movement alternating between lyricism and inner turmoil, through the powerful and energetic second movement, to the exuberant vibrancy of the last movement, which opens with a thematically intricate, gloomy cadenza.