Gabriel Fauré was a leading French organist and teacher, while Eugène Ysaÿe was an extraordinary violin virtuoso and conductor.
Chamber music in the 19th century faced tensions regarding its audience, distribution, and the use of technical innovations in instruments.
Violinist Saténik Khourdoïan plays a Guarnerius del Gesù violin, generously lent by a Belgian sponsor.
The recording took place in April 2017 at Flagey (Studio 4) in Brussels, with Bastien Gilson as artistic director and recording engineer.
Fauré believed music was a 'universal language' that could express human emotions with 'more than human accents' and elevate listeners above reality.
The works on this album reflect the friendship and deep respect shared between Gabriel Fauré, Eugène Ysaÿe, and Camille Saint-Saëns.
The album's concept explores the 'French sonata' at the turn of the 20th century, focusing on imagination, reverie, and elegant musical gestures.
