Hakkila is a marvellous Brahmsian, although she eschews the traditional hearty style that reminds us of the burly, bearded fellow in photographs. Instead, her light touch and pliable, long-breathed phrasing give the music unusual fluidity and buoyancy…Theirs is a refreshing, unified view of these sonatas, and one I expect to return to again with grateful pleasure.

These performances are tidy, respectable and well considered in terms of architecture. The recording is clear, bright and resonant, and the inclusion of a song arrangement associated with each sonata’s genesis provides additional interest and relevance.