Your favorite Cello recording

Since I am strictly a fan of 20th century, specifically the mid to late 20th century (up to the present) classical music, most of my choices will be decidedly not exactly "smooth and sweet".

My favorite is probably, Elliott Carter’s, Cello Concerto (2000). Fred Shery on cello. 

I also love Joan Tower’s, Music for Cello and Orchestra (1984). Lynn Harrell on cello. 

And, György Ligeti’s,  Cello Concerto (1964). Alexis Descharmes on cello. 

This is a string quartet but if you like contemporary cello music it is hard for me to imagine you won't like this.

Brooklyn Rider Four Elements

Stern, Ma, Ax Beethoven trios

Beethoven Cello Sonatas with Rostropovich and Richter.

Leonard Rose playing anything-the Tchaikovsky Rococo Variations will do for starters.