Roberto Sierra: Works for Cello and Piano

The complete music for cello and piano by celebrated composer Roberto Sierra. Performed by the ‘Sierra Duo,’ formed of cellist John Haines-Eitzen and myself.

Buy, stream, or hear samples:

On Amazon
At Apple Music
Albany Records CD page.

Some review highlights:

Here, pianist Matthew Bengtson plays with true command of his instrument, a brilliant rhythmic sense, and a true sense of chamber music with his partner; every subtlety is superbly rendered by the fine recording. ... Haines-Eitzen, once a student of Janos Starker, finds every ounce of expression in ths tensile melodic lines; Bengtson's understanding of the piano’s role is that of a true chamber musician. ... Both of Sierra's sonatas would sit effectively on recital programs, and one hopes fervently to encounter them there, and not just within the confines of the United States either.
(Colin Clarke, Fanfare 41:5 May/June 2018)

Many cellists ... should consider adding the 15-minute [Suite] to their repertoires. The later sonata closes with a vibrant, toccata-like section that requires considerable technical accomplishment from both performers, along with a high degree of coordination. ... The performances throughout are committed and technically accomplished, all a composer could ask for. This collection ... is music that demands and rewards one’s full attention.
(Henry Fogel, Fanfare 41:5 May/June 2018)

All the works herein display Sierra’s distinctive Latin-tinged style to brilliant effect, and are expertly performed by two significant artists. ... ‘Danza Rapida’ has to be one of the most exciting works for the cello ever written. ... These masterful works, performed in equally masterful fashion by Haines-Eitzen and Bengtson, may well propel this disc onto my next Want List. ... My scripturally inspired exhortation is, ‘Go ye therefore and buy, and whatsoever thou doest, do quickly.’
(David DeBoor Canfield, Fanfare 41:5 May/June 2018)