At its premiere, the violinist Eugène Ysaÿe played César Franck's sonata at first sight for his wedding guests and bride.
Composer Biography
César Franck, the composer of the Violin Sonata in A major, was one of the rare composers who produced their best work later in life, particularly his chamber music.
Composer's Artistic Vision
The three works on this album, by César Franck, Edvard Grieg, and Antonín Dvořák, were all written in 1886-1887 and share a rich romantic impulse.
Recording & Production
This album was recorded in April 2014 at the Auditorium Campra, Conservatoire Darius Milhaud, in Aix-en-Provence.
Composition History
César Franck's Violin Sonata was dedicated to the Belgian violinist Eugène Ysaÿe as a wedding present, a suggestion made by pianist Marie Bordes-Pène.
Critical Reception
After its premiere, the publisher Peters of Leipzig sold 1,500 copies of Grieg's Third Sonata in six months, indicating its immediate success.
Performer Biography
Renaud Capuçon, the violinist on this album, and Khatia Buniatishvili, the pianist, formed their duo after connecting over César Franck's sonata.
