Pierre Fournier has recorded this complete works for cello and piano by Beethoven twice: in 1967 with Wilhelm Kempff and the first time in 1959 (the one presented in this edition), with Friedrich Gulda.

Beethoven’s cello works (Sonatas and Variations) were composed from 1797 to 1817. The first two Sonatas, those of op.5, already testify at the beginning of Beethoven’s official catalogue the great importance that the composer gave to these young compositions. The op.5, however, is ahead of its time and, like the ‘Pathétique’ Sonata, already expresses a totally personal and revolutionary style. The undisputed masterpiece of maturity is the op.69 of 1808, unanimously considered as his masterpiece for this instrumental formation.

The last two Sonatas collected in op.102 of 1815 are already part of that mysterious and experimental period that will have its apex with the last, abstract, string quartets. The Variations created in this twenty-year period are wonderful pieces for cello and piano which, however, do not aspire to have their own personality.