Beethoven: Sonata In A Major (Kreutzer), Cesar Franck: Sonata In A Major / Denes Zsigmondy - violin, Anneliese Nissen - piano / Classical Diamonds / Hungaroton Classic Audio CD 1997 Stereo / CLD 4034

UPC 5991810403424

The Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano by César Franck is one of his best-known compositions, and is considered one of the finest sonatas for violin and piano ever written. It is an amalgam of his rich native harmonic language with the Classical traditions he valued highly, held together in a cyclic framework.

Ludwig van Beethoven's Sonata for Piano and Violin No. 9 in A major, Op. 47 , was written in 1802 and is commonly known as the Kreutzer Sonata . The roughly 40-minute work is characterized by rich sound (the violin begins with a polyphonic solo), virtuosity, surprising modulations, wide melodic arcs and varied movements - from the furious first movement to the meditating second to the jubilant finale. Like all “violin sonatas” by Mozart and Beethoven, it is written “for pianoforte and violin”, not for “violin and piano”. This designation came up later in the "Romanticism".

The sonata was originally dedicated to the violinist George Bridgetower (1779–1860), who premiered the work on May 24, 1803 with Beethoven. After the performance, however, there should have been an argument between the two over a girl, so that Beethoven deleted the dedication again. According to Beethoven biographer Thayer , Bridgetower insulted a woman who Beethoven valued, which made him extremely angry. The work was dedicated to the French violinist Rodolphe Kreutzer (1766–1831). Ironically, Kreutzer never played the sonata and even declared it unplayable.

Tracklist:

LUDWIG VAN BEETHOVEN (1770-1827)
Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano (Kreutzer) Op. 47   34:54
1.  I. Adagio sostenuto — Presto   14:36
2.  II. Andante con variazioni   13:17
3.  III. Finale. Presto   6:56

CESAR FRANCK (1822-1890)
Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano (1886)   27:04
4.  I. Allegretto ben moderato   5:44
5.  II. Allegro   7:43
6.  III. Recitativo-Fantazia. Ben moderato   7:03
7.  IV. Allegretto poco mosso   6:25

• Violin - Denes Zsigmondy
• Piano - Anneliese Nissen