EUGENE YSAYE (1858-1931)

 

String Trio ‘Le Chimay’, Sonata for Two Violins, Cello Sonata

 

Sonata in A minor for Two Violins, Op. posth.

String Trio ‘Le Chimay’, Op. posth.

Sonata for Solo Cello, Op. 28

 

Henning Kraggerud - violin

Bard Monsen - violin

Lars Anders Tomter - viola

Ole-Eirik Ree - cello

 

While Ysaÿe’s Six Solo Violin Sonatas remain his best known works, the Belgian virtuoso also composed other pieces which translate his thorough knowledge of the violin’s capabilities into thrilling music. The performance here of his Sonata for Two Violins is based on the composer’s autograph and that of the String Trio draws on the original hand-written parts. For the recording of the Cello Sonata the artist referred to Ysaÿe’s own fingering and bowing instructions. All three works display the composer’s dazzling mastery of technique and instrumental colour.

 

Naxos 8570977