CAPE GIRARDEAU - Sara Edgerton and Paul Thompson, faculty members at Southeast Missouri State University, will present a recital of music for cello and piano entitled “Song Without Words,” Aug. 26 at Southeast’s River Campus.

The concert will include diverse selections for cello and piano, with a special focus on lyrical, song-like melodies for the two instruments. The concert will be presented as part of the Faculty Recital Series and will take place at 3 p.m. in the Robert F. and Gertrude L. Shuck Music Recital Hall.

The concert will open with three movements from J. S. Bach’s dance-inspired “Suite No. 2” for solo cello, composed in the early 18th century. Next on the program will be a set of three beautiful, melodious works for cello and piano: Felix Mendelssohn’s charming “Song Without Words,” Op. 109; the soulful “Ave Maria” by Bach-Gounod; and the lilting “Valse Sentimentale” by the great Romantic composer P. Tchaikovsky.

Edgerton and Thompson will also perform a substantial work by the contemporary British composer, Gavin Bryars: his “South Down for Cello and Piano.” Written in 1996, this work is dedicated by Bryars to “the cellists in my life.” The music unfolds at a leisurely pace, with rippling arpeggios for the cello and piano, interspersed with sections of great lyricism and soaring melodies. Edgerton will then return to the stage to present the first movement of the massive work for solo cello by the Hungarian composer, Zoltan Kodaly: his “Sonata for Solo Cello in B Minor.” Full of modal harmonies, special effects and resonant chords, this work calls to mind the Hungarian countryside that provided such an inspiration for Kodaly’s music.

Edgerton and Thompson will conclude the program with two brief tunes they have arranged for cello and piano: “Someone to Watch Over Me” and “Days of Wine and Roses.”

“The overall theme of this concert is to highlight the melodic, cantabile qualities of the cello,” Edgerton said. “Paul and I wanted to find music where the cello could really ‘sing’. In addition, we wanted to have a lot of variety in the program, and I think the audience will enjoy hearing the cello on its own and in accompaniment with the piano, in many contrasting moods and time periods. We’re looking forward to performing this music, and hope the public will enjoy hearing ‘Song Without Words.’ It should be a great way to spend a Sunday afternoon in late August.”

Tickets are on sale now.

Tickets may be purchased by contacting the River Campus Box Office, located in the Cultural Arts Center, 518 S. Fountain St., weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by calling (573) 651-2265, or online at RiverCampusEvents.com.