Eugène Ysaÿe's "Six Sonatas for Solo Violin" is a captivating journey through the depths of classical music, showcasing the virtuosity and emotional range of the violin. Released on August 29, 2025, under the LSO Live label, this album presents a collection of sonatas dedicated to some of the most renowned violinists of Ysaÿe's time, including Joseph Szigeti, Jacques Thibaud, Georges Enesco, Fritz Kreisler, Mathieu Crickboom, and Manuel Quiroga. Each sonata is a testament to Ysaÿe's mastery of the instrument, offering a unique blend of technical brilliance and expressive depth.
The album spans a total of 1 hour and 10 minutes, divided into six distinct sonatas, each with its own character and mood. From the hauntingly beautiful "Grave. Lento assai" of the first sonata to the fiery "Allegro furioso" of the second, Ysaÿe's compositions take the listener on a journey through a variety of emotions and musical landscapes. The third sonata, "Ballade," is particularly noteworthy for its dramatic shifts in tempo and mood, while the fourth sonata's "Allemande" and "Sarabande" offer a more contemplative and introspective experience. The album concludes with the lively and energetic "Allegro giusto non troppo" of the sixth sonata, leaving the listener with a sense of exhilaration and satisfaction.
Ysaÿe's "Six Sonatas for Solo Violin" is not just a collection of pieces; it is a comprehensive exploration of the violin's capabilities, showcasing the instrument's versatility and expressive power. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and inspire. Eugène Ysaÿe's genius shines through in every note, making this a truly unforgettable listening experience.
2025 London Symphony Orchestra Ltd2025 London Symphony Orchestra Ltd
Tracks
Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, Op. 27, No. 1 in G Minor (À Joseph Szigeti): I. Grave. Lento assaiEugène Ysaÿe, Roman Simovic
Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, Op. 27, No. 1 in G Minor (À Joseph Szigeti): II. Fugato. Molto moderatoEugène Ysaÿe, Roman Simovic
Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, Op. 27, No. 1 in G Minor (À Joseph Szigeti): III. Allegretto poco scherzoso. AmabileEugène Ysaÿe, Roman Simovic
Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, Op. 27, No. 1 in G Minor (À Joseph Szigeti): IV. Finale con brio. Allegro fermoEugène Ysaÿe, Roman Simovic
Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, Op. 27, No. 2 in A Minor (À Jacques Thibaud): I. Obsession "Prèlude". Poco vivaceEugène Ysaÿe, Roman Simovic
Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, Op. 27, No. 2 in A Minor (À Jacques Thibaud): II. Malinconia. Poco lentoEugène Ysaÿe, Roman Simovic
Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, Op. 27, No. 2 in A Minor (À Jacques Thibaud): III. Danse de Ombres. Sarabande (Lento)Eugène Ysaÿe, Roman Simovic
Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, Op. 27, No. 2 in A Minor (À Jacques Thibaud): IV. Les Furies. Allegro furiosoEugène Ysaÿe, Roman Simovic
Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, Op. 27, No. 3 in D Minor, "Ballade" (À Georges Enesco): Lento molto sostenuto - Molto moderato quasi lento - Allegro in Tempo giusto e con bravuraEugène Ysaÿe, Roman Simovic
Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, Op. 27, No. 4 in E Minor (À Fritz Kreisler): I. Allemande. Lento maestosoEugène Ysaÿe, Roman Simovic
Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, Op. 27, No. 4 in E Minor (À Fritz Kreisler): II. Sarabande. Quasi lentoEugène Ysaÿe, Roman Simovic
Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, Op. 27, No. 4 in E Minor (À Fritz Kreisler): III. Finale. Presto ma non troppoEugène Ysaÿe, Roman Simovic
Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, Op. 27, No. 5 in G Major (À Mathieu Crickboom): I. L'Aurore. Lento assaiEugène Ysaÿe, Roman Simovic
Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, Op. 27, No. 5 in G Major (À Mathieu Crickboom): II. Danse rustique. Allegro giocoso molto moderato - Moderato amabile - Tempo I - Poco più mossoEugène Ysaÿe, Roman Simovic
Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, Op. 27, No. 6 in E Major (À Manuel Quiroga): Allegro giusto non troppo vivoEugène Ysaÿe, Roman Simovic