Pablo Casals and Rudolf Serkin were two titans of classical performance, and this pairing of Beethoven's early cello sonatas showcases their mutual artistry perfectly. These intimate works for cello and piano balance virtuosity with depth, written when Beethoven was finding his voice as a composer. The Handel variations add another layer of sophistication. Recorded in 1991 for CBS Masterworks, this disc captures two master musicians at their most collaborative, listening intently to each other across the piano and cello. The sound is warm and present without being intrusive. This is chamber music-making at the highest level, proof that Beethoven's early works contain seeds of his later genius.