César Franck’s violin sonata is a bastion of the repertoire; depicting opening moments of cherished nostalgia, a tempestuouso recurring theme of escalating intensity and drama, and a final canonical movement of exuberance and celebration; wedding bells pealing throughout its finale. The matrimonial associations of the work aren’t limited to its textures however; the piece itself was offered as a wedding gift to Franck’s dear friend, the violin virtuoso Eugène Ysaÿe, who was a masterful composer in his own right. Ysaÿe’s work will be paired with the revered “Spring” sonata of Beethoven, whom both composers held in high admiration throughout their careers.
Show Notes
Beethoven - Sonata for Violin and Piano No. 5, Op. 24, “Spring”
Eugène Ysaÿe - Rêve d' Enfant Op. 14, Berceuse Op. 20
Cesar Franck - Sonata for Violin and Piano in A major