Franck: Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano

SOMETHING TO KNOW:

Franck composed his violin sonata as a wedding gift for the Belgian violinist Eugène Ysaÿe. It became one of Ysaÿe’s signature pieces and his many performances of it greatly elevated Franck’s reputation.

SOMETHING TO LISTEN FOR:

The remarkable third movement, marked Recitativo—Fantasia, begins with darkly lyrical transformations of earlier themes that later coalesce into a simple but stunning melody.

Recorded live in Alice Tully Hall on February 9, 2018.
Video produced by Ibis Productions.