The fifth and last instalment of the Schubert-Brahms chamber duo recordings by Pieter Wispelwey and Paolo Giacometti. These artists have recorded the complete chamber duos by Franz Schubert and Johannes Brahms on 6 CDs and have been called “exceptionally imaginative and impassioned performers” (American Record Guide), and their collaboration has spawned recordings rated as “fascinating, provocative, almost perverse” on account of their “immediacy and involvement” (Sunday Times).

On this generous last instalment of their Schubert-Brahms pilgrimage, Pieter Wispelwey and Paolo Giacometti serve us three iconic sonatas, including a world premiere. In its original hue of G major, Brahms’s First Violin Sonata, op.78, is more scintillating and transparent than the D major cello adaptation, and much more enchanting in its opening Vivace.

Brahms’s Third Violin Sonata, op.108, fuses surprising ebullience with superior mastery of form, in an epic piece which is an undiluted kick in the groin when played on a cello. And thankfully, Pieter and Paolo revisit Schubert’s Arpeggione, that gem of intimacy, fragility, frivolity and humbling, unattainable beauty. A fitting finale, in all respects.