Joel Hill:

>I recall someone pointing out that the Rachmaninoff piece is a Sonata for
>"Piano and Cello", whereas most sonatas for these two instruments are for
>"Cello and Piano".  It is probably telling that Rachmaninoff puts the Piano
>before the Cello.

I wonder if that title was not a throwback? I believe (from many too many
extensive readings of Groves'--an occupational hazard) that when the first
sonatas (as we call them today, solo instrument & piano) were published,
and even as late as Beethoven (or later?) they were titled things like
"Sonata for Piano with Flute Obbligato" or "Sonata for Piano with Violin"
etc.  instead of "Sonata for Flute & Piano".

Anyone else have any insight into this? When did this practice change? Or
maybe Rachy -was- emphasizing the piano part?

Bob K.