It is usually considered that Beethoven wrote 5 sonatas and 3 series of variations for piano and cello:

• the two sonatas opus 5 no. 1 and no. 2;
• the sonata opus 69;
• the two sonatas opus 102 no. 1 and no. 2;
• the 12 variations on “Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen” opus 66, after the opera “The Magic Flute” of Mozart;
• the 12 variations on “See the conqu'ring hero comes” WoO 45, after the oratorio “Judas Maccabaeus” by Haendel;
• the 7 variations on “Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen WoO 46.

However, two other works for piano and cello complete this CD:

• the sonata opus 17, originally for horn but transcribed for a number of other instruments, notably the cello (realized and published in 1807, probably with the agreement of Beethoven);
• the sonata opus 64, a transcription of the trio for strings opus 3, probably not done by Beethoven himself.  Nevertheless, the composer did not use this opus number for any other work, thus implicitly indicating that he accepted that this work could be included in his repertoire.

The pleasure of hearing these rarely played works is  added to the joy and power of these remarkable Finish performers who are worthy of being better known.
A superb series of three CDs!

Anssi Karttunen, cello (Banks 1770),
Tuija Hakkila, pianoforte (Walter 1795, Graf 1820).

The two boxes of two CDs each include the complete sonatas and variations for cello, except opus 17 and opus 64..

- The 12 variations on "Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen", Opus 66, both from Mozart's "La flûte enchantée";
- The 12 variations on "See the conqu'ring hero comes", WoO 45, from the Händel's oratorio "Judas Maccabaeus";
- The 7 variations on "Bei Männern, welche Liebe fühlen", WoO 46.

It is for you to decide your performer of preference...

Pablo Casals and Rudolf Serkin
Sony Classical
Recorded in 1951-1953 - 2 cds
(does not include WoO 45)

These 2 CDs bring together Beethoven's 5 sonatas for cello and the variations.

Pianoforte (after an instrument by Nanette Streicher, 1714): Melvyn Tan
Cello (after an instrument by J. B. Guadagnini, 1759): Anthony Pleeth

Also, the Cd covers are very original (the new covers are less attractive)...

The CD is titled: "Complete works for cello - Complete works for cello in historical instruments."

The musicians are: Paul Pulford, cello and Boyd McDonald, fortepiano.

Worth listen to!