Frank Bridge (Feb. 26, 1879 - Jan. 10, 1941) was an English composer, violist and conductor. Born in Brighton, he attended the Royal College of Music in London from 1899 to 1903, and was active as a violist in several string quartets. He also did a bit of conducting for awhile before devoting himself to composition, with one of his most famous students being Benjamin Britten. Bridge was prolific in his output, but his music is still comparatively little known, and nowhere near as programmed as you'd think. It's especially vexing as what is written about him is glowing; he's nowhere near the household name one would think he'd be.

Bridge's Cello Sonata is a two movement work that was written from 1913 - 1917. Highly regarded in the cello world (and classical world in general), it still trails after the popular sonatas of Brahms, Beethoven, and others.

The first movement is filled wit a graceful lyricism, even if slightly dark at times, and the cello line has intense, soaring lines throughout the movement. The second movement is much of Bridge's feelings on World War One put to music; he was distressed and upset about it. It starts in a downward, solemn mood, and goes through periods of disenchantment, calmness, and agitation. Both the cello and piano have equal parts in this sonata, and the cello hits every register of their instrument. Beautiful, if haunting at times, this work deserves to be played and heard more often!

Here are some recordings of this piece for you to enjoy!

Nash Ensemble
Rebecca Rust
Hannah Holman