This CD by Steven Isserlis is yet another that was forced by the lockdown during the pandemic. The 18th century Suite was once taken by a 17 year old Isserlis from the otherwise little known Frank Merrick. The elderly composer had completely forgotten that he had composed this music. Much better known is Britten's Third Suite, one of the compositions he composed for the legendary cellist Rostropovich.
Unlike usual (although not unusual for Britten), in this series of variations the theme is the final one. Or, rather, themes. The central theme is four traditional Russian melodies (three folk songs and an Orthodox hymn) which are first explored in their entirety before they are heard in their full glory. For convenience, Isserlis has also recorded these 'traditionals' separately, in case anyone missed it. (HJ)more