"Unashamedly, I'm part of that group of people who adore Gabriel Fauré's music. He is a composer who seemingly divides opinion, but for me, his writing is both timeless and fascinating. His two intriguing cello sonatas display Fauré's unique voice and the cello in its best registers with divine, unending melody.

This disc was primarily inspired by those works, but also his own inspirations and influences which certainly came in no small part from his mentor and teacher Camille Saint-Saëns. The connections in style, structure, phrasing and melody are all too evident and fascinating to compare. The three songs, romances and sonatas on this disc contain possibly, some of the most beautiful repertoire for cello and piano and because of their connections, offer an insight into how teacher and student can inspire one another.

It was a pleasure making this disc for Champs Hill with Michael McHale, Andrew Walton and the wonderful support of David and Mary Bowerman."