Eugène Ysaÿe's "Ysaye: Violin Sonatas Op. 27" is a masterful collection of solo violin sonatas, composed in July 1923. This album showcases Ysaÿe's deep understanding and virtuosity of the violin, inspired by Bach's solo violin works and dedicated to six of his contemporary violinists. Each of the six sonatas is a unique exploration of the violin's capabilities, ranging from the intense and dramatic to the lyrical and introspective.
The album begins with the Sonata in G Minor, Op. 27, No. 1, dedicated to Joseph Szigeti, featuring a Grave introduction, a Fugato, an Allegretto Poco Scherzoso, and a Finale Con Brio. The Sonata in A Minor, Op. 27, No. 2, dedicated to Jacques Thibaud, includes movements titled Obsession, Malinconia, Danse Des Ombres, and Les Furies. The third sonata, a Ballade in D Minor, Op. 27, No. 3, is dedicated to Georges Enescu and is a single movement containing two distinct sections. The Sonata in E Minor, Op. 27, No. 4, dedicated to Fritz Kreisler, features an Allemanda, a Sarabande, and a Finale. The album concludes with the Sonata in G Major, Op. 27, No. 5, dedicated to Mathieu Crickboom, and the Sonata in E Major, Op. 27, No. 6, dedicated to Manuel Quiroga.
This album is a testament to Ysaÿe's compositional genius and his profound connection with the violin. Each sonata is a journey through different emotional landscapes, showcasing the violin's expressive range and Ysaÿe's mastery of the instrument. Recorded in 2019 and released under Universal Music Italia, this collection is a must-listen for any classical music enthusiast.
