The married duo of cellist Julian Schwarz and pianist Marika Bournaki performed an excellent program for Matinee Musicale on Sunday, Oct. 29 in Memorial Hall. Schwarz is now one of my favorite cellists. He communicated with a big, warm tone and a romantic vibrato in Schumann’s Adagio and Allegro, a work originally scored for French horn. He smiled as he played the phrases of Brahms’ Sonata No. 1 in E Minor — and notably, he performed his entire program from memory. (Schwarz performs on  Neapolitan cello by Gennaro Gagliano of 1743.)

But mainly, it was a joy to hear both of these virtuoso performers. Bournaki has previously appeared on the Xavier Piano Series, and is also a stunning collaborator. There was seamless communication between the two.

They opened the second half with “silent for the rain,” a contemplative work by Pulitzer-nominated composer Alex Weiser (born in 1989). Schwarz told the audience that it was programmed before the atrocities of the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel — but it was strikingly fitting. He called it a “song without words,” and read the poem by David Vogel that inspired the piece, titled “with gentle fingers.” Schwarz’s cello sound had a floating quality, and his phrasing was deeply felt. At the peak of the work, the composer gave the pianist a big cadenza, which was answered softly in the cello.

On a lighter note, the duo performed Erich Korngold’s “Much Ado About Nothing Suite,” which Schwarz transcribed for cello and piano. It was stylish and cinematic. Bloch’s reflective “Meditation Hebraique,” which followed, was given a soulful reading.

The duo concluded with Chopin’s Introduction and Polonaise Brillante, which gave Bournaki a chance to soar through cascades of runs and other virtuosities. It was a great showpiece for both artists. With the audience on their feet, they treated with an encore, Fauré’s lovely “Après un rêve” — After a Dream.

Schwarz performed a master class for students at CCM the next day.

Matinee will feature another married duo in April, when tenor Pene Pati returns to perform with his wife, soprano Amina Edris.

Coming next, flutist Jasmine Choi returns to Cincinnati for a program on Nov. 19 at Westwood Presbyterian Church. (Note the change of venue.)

Information: matineemusicalecincinnati.org/