Immerse yourself in the profound and intricate world of Eugène Ysaÿe's violin sonatas with this captivating album, released on October 4, 2019, by Ars Produktion. This collection showcases Ysaÿe's masterful compositional prowess, featuring six violin sonatas, each dedicated to a prominent violinist of the time, along with the Etude poème, Op. 9. The sonatas, spanning a duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, are a testament to Ysaÿe's innovative spirit and deep understanding of the violin's expressive capabilities.
The album opens with the Violin Sonata No. 1 in G Minor, Op. 27 No. 1, dedicated to Joseph Szigeti, followed by the intense and melancholic Violin Sonata No. 2 in A Minor, Op. 27 No. 2, dedicated to Jacques Thibaud. The Violin Sonata No. 3 in D Minor, Op. 27 No. 3, dedicated to Georges Enescu, offers a more introspective journey, while the Violin Sonata No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 27 No. 4, dedicated to Fritz Kreisler, brings a sense of grandeur and drama. The Violin Sonata No. 5 in G Major, Op. 27 No. 5, dedicated to Mathieu Crickboom, and the Violin Sonata No. 6 in E Major, Op. 27 No. 6, dedicated to Manuel Quiroga, round out the collection with their unique charms and technical brilliance.
Each sonata is a distinct exploration of emotion, technique, and musical storytelling, making this album a treasure trove for both classical music enthusiasts and those seeking to discover the depth of Ysaÿe's contributions to the violin repertoire. The Etude poème, Op. 9, adds a final touch of virtuosity and poetic expression, completing this remarkable journey through Ysaÿe's musical legacy.