In contrast to the first cello sonata (HN 1357) composed four years earlier, this substantially more catchy and playful second sonata enjoyed great success with audiences and critics right from the start. Friend and associate Vincent d’Indy wrote to Fauré the day after the premiere in May 1922: I would like to tell you how much I am still charmed by your so beautiful sonata. In it I found what is seemingly forgotten these days: music.”

It therefore comes as no surprise that the sonata rapidl...