Arnold Cooke (1906-2005) was an English composer who studied at Cambridge and then in Berlin. His music is very attractive and has a strong, individual voice. This recording features three world premiere recordings – the Sonata no.1 for Violin and Piano, the Solo Violin Sonata and the Duo for Violin and Viola. The Sonata no.2 for Violin and Piano has been recorded once. This delightful and beautifully performed disc was recorded in Manchester with members of the Pleyel Ensemble. Based in Manchester but including top players from other cities this versatile group has a very active concert and touring programme. The performances are excellent, musical and very committed and the recording was made in the Carole Nash Room (formerly the Recital Hall) at the Royal Northern College of Music. So far three other CDs are in the pipeline, music already recorded includes the Piano Trio, Quartet and Quintet, the Sonata for Two Pianos, chamber music with Clarinet and the two Oboe Sonatas. Cooke deserves to be far better known and this recording shows us clearly the fine quality of his music.

The Pleyel Ensemble:
- Benedict Holland (violin)
- Susie Mészáros (viola)
- Harvey Davies (piano)