Classical Arts Society of Washington presents Virtuoso Violinist: Nuptial Offerings of César Franck

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.