“ORIENTALE.” Nathaniel Rosen, cello; Doris Stevenson, piano....

“ORIENTALE.” Nathaniel Rosen, cello; Doris Stevenson, piano. North Star Records NS 0027. Subtitled “Romantic Music for Cello,” this collection revolves around a style typified by Granados’ sensual Spanish Dance No. 2--”Orientale,” in Piatigorsky’s transcription. Rosen’s late mentor remains a major influence here; Piatigorsky transcribed seven of the 17 pieces, and composed an eighth. His “Syrinx,” for unaccompanied cello--in which Rosen turns in a mysterious, eerie performance--hold up well against Debussy’s famous flute solo. Backed by Stevenson, who provides compelling partnership, the cellist highlights his virtuosity throughout this repertory, tempering acrobatics with long cantabiles, as in Tchaikovsky’s “Valse Sentimentale” and Saint-Saens’ inevitable “Swan.”