Swedish cellist Mats Rondin lives up to his reputation of being a very solid musician. From what can be heard on this album, his technique is quite fluid, intonation is reliable, and his interpretations are generally acceptable musically. As for his sound quality and approach to his instrument, he sounds a great deal like one of his teachers: Erling Blondal Bengtsson. Yet despite all of these positive attributes of his playing, this CD fails to impress. As the title would suggest, the majority of works featured showcase the more soulful, melancholy, and mellifluous characteristics of the cello. Rondin's choice of accompanying instruments offers a little variety; three of the tracks feature an enjoyable guitar accompaniment. The most successful and engaging set of pieces on the program are the three Albeniz movements arranged for two cellos; here, the texture attained by the two instruments as well as the little bit of Spanish flair sparks a spot of vitality and interest. The problem is that Rondin's playing and interpretation generally don't offer listeners much that hasn't been done before. His playing, while certainly adequate, is quite safe and predictable. The result is an album that could be enjoyable as background music, but probably not appropriate for studious listening or musical exploration.