Ysaÿe: Six Sonatas for solo violin Op. 27

Born in 1858, the Belgian Eugène Ysaÿe wasone of the great violinists of his generation,a soloist and conductor who travelledthroughout Europe giving concerts and whowas regularly called upon by some of themost famous composers of his time toperform their works – such names includeCésar Franck and Claude Debussy.Aside from his busy concert schedule, Ysaÿealso found success as a composer, thusfollowing the tradition of compatriotvirtuosos Hubert Léonard, C.?A. de Bériotand Henry Vieuxtemps. His acquaintancewith the French school of composers led hismusic to take on a passionate, improvisatorycharacter, one that is clearly discernible inhis Six Sonatas Op.27 for the solo violin – thesubject of this engaging release. Dedicatedto the greatest violinists of his era, theworks are a fascinating testament to Ysaÿe’sart, their harmonic originality and virtuosity,revealing a composer who was intent onwriting for posterity and the youngergeneration of violinists. Prominentcharacteristics of 20th?century music, suchas whole tone scales and quarter tones,abound, and yet Ysaÿe was quick to warnplayers not to let the technical elements of acomposition dominate the musicalproceedings: emotional intensity mustalways prevail.Hungarian?born Kristóf Baráti is theperformer on this release, recorded in theconcert hall of the beautiful, recently builtKodály Centre in Pécs. As one of the mosttalented violinists of his generation, Barátihas appeared with many of the world’smajor orchestras and collaborated alongsideesteemed conductors such as Kurt Masurand Iván Fischer. He plays a 1703 Stradivariviolin, the ‘Lady Harmsworth’, kindly loanedby the Stradivari Society.