By Laurie Niles: This week violinist Hilary Hahn released her new recording of Eugene Ysaÿe's Six Sonatas for Solo violin, in celebration of the 100th anniversary of their composition. So I thought it would be a good time to talk about the Ysaÿe Sonatas. Do you know them? Which is your favorite?
![Ysaye Ballade]()
As Hilary explained in our interview with her, Ysaÿe was inspired by Bach's Sonatas and Partitas for solo violin. He was also inspired by his contemporaries, dedicating each sonata to a violinist: Joseph Szigeti, Jacques Thibaud, George Enescu, Fritz Kreisler, Mathieu Crickboom and Manuel Quiroga (in that order).
If you would like to listen to them, I'd certainly recommend her new recording - you can start here, the entire thing is on Youtube - here is the playlist:
As for picking a favorite - it's a tough call. At one point I might have picked No. 3, the "Ballade," which is just so compelling. But I also really, really love No. 5 "L'Aurore," which is a musical depiction of dawn - it's a slow burn, but in the end, a truly glorious sunrise! But then, there's No. 2 "Obsession" - with the Dies Irae dancing with Bach.
So it's hard to decide, but what is your favorite, at least today? And if you only know one, it's okay to just pick that one. And if you don't know any, have a listen, and pick one! Then tell us your thoughts, in the comments. Do you play these works? What do you like about them? What do you find challenging?
You might also like:
- Interview with Hilary Hahn: 100 Years of the Ysaÿe Sonatas
- Ray Iwazumi on Ysaÿe's Six Solo Violin Sonatas
- Brian Lewis - Repertoire for Solo Violin Part 1: Ysaÿe's 'Obsession'
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