At the beginning of the 1870s, Saint-Saëns showed a particular fondness for the violoncello. He completed his first cello sonata in December 1872, immediately after finishing his first cello concerto (see HN 711). The sonata is strongly reminiscent of Beethoven, not only due to the key of c minor but also predominantly on account of its gripping dramatic art.

The exceptional position of this demanding, in parts highly virtuosic sonata was quickly recognised by the public and critics and so th...