Kabalevsky's natural talent was for catchy tunes, clear structures and audience-pleasing rhythms; beautifully crafted, eminently accessible, full of wit and charm. • His position as a Stalin regime-friendly, arch-conservative critic did nothing to win him friends. • All works recorded here performed by Swedish cellist Torleif Thedeen. • The NDR Radiophilharmonie Hannover is conducted by Eiji Oue; Adrian Prabava (Suite op. 24a).