The Complete Works for Cello and Piano by Ferdinand Ries, vol. 1, is an important and exciting release of first-rate but relatively unknown repertoire from the classical era by a contemporary and close friend and student of Beethoven. This CD includes an early and a late sonata, (the opus 21 in A major and opus 125 in G minor) as well as the Duo Concertante, a dazzling virtuoso work never before recorded which is an exciting addition to the rather scanty repertoire for cello and piano from this musical era. The CD ends with a short, lyrical transcription of a piano work that suits the singing qualities of the cello beautifully.