César Franck - Violin Sonata

- Composer: César-Auguste-Jean-Guillaume-Hubert Franck (10 December 1822 -- 8 November 1890)
- Performers: Krystian Zimerman (piano), Kaja Danczowska (violin)
- Year of recording: 1981
Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano, written in 1886.
The 4 movements alternate between slow and fast:
00:00 - I. Allegretto ben moderato
06:24 - II. Allegro
15:01 - III. Ben moderato: Recitative-Fantasia
22:45 - IV. Allegretto poco mosso
This sonata is one of Franck's best known compositions, and 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. it was a wedding present for the 31-year-old violinist Eugène Ysaÿe. Twenty-eight years earlier, in 1858, Franck had promised a violin sonata for Cosima von Bülow. This never saw the light of day, but it has been speculated that whatever work Franck had done on that piece was put aside and eventually ended up in the sonata he wrote for Ysaÿe in 1886. Ysaÿe kept the Violin Sonata in his repertoire for the next 40 years of his life. His championing of the Sonata contributed to the public recognition of Franck as a major composer. This recognition was quite belated, as Franck would be dead within 4 years, and did not have his first unqualified public success until the last year of his life (19 April 1890, at the Salle Pleyel, where his String Quartet in D was premiered).
- I. Allegretto ben moderato, 9/8
This gentle and sweetly reflective rocking theme, introduced by the violin after a short introduction by the piano, is the thematic core of the entire work; Franck originally intended it as a slow movement, but Ysaÿe preferred a slightly quicker tempo, and convinced Franck to mark it Allegretto.
- II. Allegro
This turbulent movement is sometimes considered the real opening movement, with the Allegretto ben moderato serving as a long introduction.
- III. Ben moderato: Recitative-Fantasia
This is improvisatory in nature, and free in both structure and expression.
- IV. Allegretto poco mosso
The main melody is heard in canonic imitation between the instruments, and recurs in a rondo-like manner to a triumphant and soaring conclusion. James Harding described the movement as "a magnificent example of canonic writing, simple, majestic and irresistible in its ample, beautifully wrought proportions".
The Franck Violin Sonata regularly appears on concert programs and on recordings and is in the core repertoire of all major violinists. Jascha Heifetz played the Violin Sonata at his final recital in 1972.

[@eddyhoover669]

The violin part is gorgeous, but I feel that the piano part as well plays such an important role in the sonata, with such beautiful passages and intertwining melodies. A masterpiece from start to finish. Hope to play someday.

[@jhonatancristo]

só posso concordar.

[@versiani1318]

dude sorry but does anyone think the piano is not important in this sonata? to me (please do not consider my profile picture hahahah) the piano part is actually more important, since it has the climaxes in the first movement, it starts the phrases in the last movement and is always creating the tensions to the climaxes in duo (such as in the third movement).

[@ivanlin3522]

Caesar he's organist,sure thing

[@edansabah9153]

​@@versiani1318The piano being important is such an understatement. My pianist roomate and I used to joke about this being a piano sonata featuring a violin part. Piano really does most of the heavy lifting here

[@karolinakanclerz7574]

emotions in this sonata are so much overwhelming.. i feel like flying above my material existence...

[@ronenr1405]

You are right, Carolina

[@isabellepastol7779]

J'ai l'impression de vivre une histoire d'amour, le début avec les attentes progressives, puis l'élation passionnelle, et enfin, plus apaisée, mais avec des sursauts de joie quand quelques instants passionnés montrent pour un temps le bout de leur nez...

[@irisksmusic8517]

Totally ..... breathtaking and shakes all over the body.... exactly as flying above your materialistic self ❤️

[@wendywoodland8598]

This was a wedding present actually to from Franck himself to his friend.

[@Marxuaa]

What does sonata means??

[@user-bf5fr5zw6n]

"Franckly" speaking, this is the best violin sonata piece ever written.

[@mollypicone408]

KS even the crickets are golf clapping

[@music-discovery]

Actually, I regard it as one of the best duo sonatas ever written, for any instrument. Althea Talbot-Howard, Music Discovery

[@BeautyIsDevotion]

KS dang, idk man. Ysaye obesession unaccompanied is pretty great too, plus it’s a hard flex

[@savromx4230]

Devil's trill is the best

[@jonasdaverio9369]

Hohoho

[@niinaranta3014]

what a recording.... Zimerman is great of course, but can I just say that Kaja Danczowska is an unbelievable violinist!! her sound is absolutely perfect for this music.

[@torokun]

Niina Ranta look for Kyung Hwa Chung’s performance from 1970 and recent one in 2016. Absolutely Breathtaking .

[@kikkerl]

@@torokun sorry she plays it a little in baroque style....

[@JoshuaSobel]

@@kikkerl yeah... It's not bad but it's not so emotional like this.

[@steveegallo3384]

@@torokun -- ....and since you're there anyway, Kyung Hwa Chung's Mahler (9th or 10th) is sensational....also to WATCH! Cheers from Acapulco!

[@DavidA-ps1qr]

Franck's piano writing throughout this Sonata really allows the violin to shine. It's a chamber music masterpiece.

[@DavidA-ps1qr]

@yo_yo_master99 I'm glad you "love" this, because this is real music. It will be here forever.

[@sebastientraglia1351]

I love Zimerman so much. He will never disappoint me

[@easypeasy2991]

Absolutely agree!!

[@gotatochigs314]

One of the best pianists of all time!!

[@edwardelgar7408]

He disappoints me by recording Lutosławski's piano concerti.

[@austinworkman9967]

@@paeffill9428 paeffill

[@nikol4y.l]

the way the theme returns at 14:09 is absolutely breathtaking

[@austinworkman9967]

Easily my favorite part of the piece.

[@vishnuhalikere2151]

@@austinworkman9967 same here

[@luxio6765]

agreed

[@FredMaus]

yes it is genius

[@parule]

Typically Zimerman: control and passion in perfect balance. This recording is pure pleasure!

[@johnlorenzen4633]

All violinists of mark have to know the Franck. And the Kreutzer. They are the two greatest violin sonatas it is known. The Franck has a remarkable emotional atmosphere, a tonal/dramatic landscape which must be refreshing, even exhilarating for any violinist. So many remarkable moments which must have startled first time listeners--still does.

[@-a7934]

the control of the pianist is amazing

[@andrewpenny4984]

The third movement is out of this world

[@leelynnchanel]

4th movement always gives me that bittersweet feelings by bringing back all those sweet and sad past memories.

[@MichaelConwayBaker]

This is absolutely stunning. It's interesting that Franck was out of fashion for long periods and that he gets re-discovered periodically. Good music will always survive!

[@johnlorenzen4633]

Indeed

[@moshichan06]

If I am to die today, I will listen to the 4th movement before I go. The most beautiful product of human creativity.

[@tarikeld11]

I love that the last movement is a canon, it's beautiful! 22:45

[@bonniebrauer3338]

That last movement ~ SO sweet; it breaks my heart w/thanksgiving for Franck's Gift to us all ~

[@trevorarmbuster2173]

SUBLIME! A perfect balance between soulful, tender-hearted lyricism and extreme virtuosity -- each in exactly the right measure. I have heard Zimmerman many times. His playing as a soloist is always dependable -- the man is a consummate virtuoso -- but I have never before heard him play with such heartfelt fervor. I'm sure that has a lot to do with the VIOLINIST, who is absolutely superb.

[@olla-vogala4090]

Yes this is such a great recording, I completely agree!

[@reynayan567]

agree.. the violinist plays like flawlessly, amazing tone quality and control

[@thatpianistgirl6189]

the way the 3rd movement's theme comes back in the 4th movement! yesss!!!

[@-a7934]

the sound of the violin is fantastic

[@peytondexter1025]

By far the greatest recording by far on KZbin, These two perform it perfectly, most others rush or over extend, not these two, they create that perfect contour and texture, fucking love it

[@carlkohweihao9584]

I am pretty amazed at how the last movement is composed. At the start of the fourth movement, the violin repeats the piano's melody, and surprisingly, no notes are missed. And then, the piano imitates the violin's melody. All the harmonies exactly match the melodies. I am amazed at the counterpoint work here. Props to the composer. Props to César Franck.

[@stefanocrosazzo3262]

Yeah, it's a fine example of canonic writing, but there is a ton of even more mind blowing instances, check the canons in Goldberg variations

[@DavidA-ps1qr]

@@stefanocrosazzo3262 Great reply. My thoughts exactly.

[@dougebraga]

My favourite version here in youtube! Wonderful!

[@olla-vogala4090]

+Douglas Eduardo Braga Yes it's my favourite version as well!

[@trevorarmbuster2173]

You have exquisite taste, Mr. Braga.

[@dougebraga]

Thank you, Mr. Armbuster!

[@davycretarola2401]

Best version is Renaud Capuçon and Martha Argerich

[@danielalucchesi2917]

I love this Sonata since the very first time I had the privilege to listen to it.

[@aminaashraf1204]

I don't know how to play violin..but it's music make me happy..one day I want to play it...these sonata make me fall in it more deeply

[@Video7Rose]

This, so far, is my favorite recording of this gorgeous sonata. Zimerman and Danczowska were very young, but so talented and accomplished when they recorded this. Both instruments have beautiful, emotive lines to play. The first three movements break your heart into pieces, then the fourth movement steadily, patiently puts it back together, hugs it tenderly, and makes it whole again! What glorious playing!

[@alfonsoaldaco4371]

Third movement is just perfect...

[@sphere82]

Agreed. Only....the whole piece is just perfect. The third mvt is divine.

[@zeenohaquo7970]

One of my fave sonatas, both original violin and its many transcriptions for other solo instruments. Love the E dominant 9th opening piano chord.

[@gervaisfrykman266]

This performance for me is very special. I am out of words, and worlds. And the score as well. Thank you.

[@catherinejones9396]

Loved this performance of this very "complete" opus. It has everything one would expect from a sonata, told in a way that tugs at the heartstrings. Thanks to all concerned.

[@vishnuhalikere2151]

Something about the dissonance in the piano at 4:41 feels so satisfying ❤

[@santiagocordero2846]

18:57 wow... deep, beautiful, peaceful... to my way of seeing some of the most beautiful melodies that i could hear.

[@urania.pianist]

Also 19:18 is beautiful ❤️

[@spawnofscriabintheblackmas7669]

Man, those moments at 26:18 and 26:51 are why I'm a musician- they just make life better

[@steveegallo3384]

Wow! Spawn of Black Mass...i Feel your agony and ecstasy.....what Germans call "Luftfahrtorigaminiedergeschlagenheit".....Saludos from San Agustinillo, Oaxaca!

[@BruceXuHasADream]

gorgeous moments. very dramatic

[@DailyPollsDaily]

Best part

[@davidrehak3539]

César Franck:A-dúr Hegedűszonáta 1.Allegretto ben moderato 00:05 2.Allegro 06:24 3.Ben moderato: Recitativo-Fantasia 15:01 4.Allegretto poco mosso 22:45 Kaja Danczowska-hegedű Krystian Zimerman-zongora

[@user-xb2en6im6f]

땡큐 !!!!

[@joshuafugate9648]

Thanks!

[@judityukoigarashi3391]

Köszönöm szépen

[@elijahvalongo9528]

Easily one of my top 5 favorite violin sonatas

[@normakeilshaw8278]

This is one of the best performances I have ever heard👍

[@TiticatFollies]

A simply gorgeous performance. Thank you!

[@wigsnatched5621]

We don't deserve such a masterpiece

[@Dylonely42]

Agree

[@tamarahisk]

Genius piece and genius performance! It almolst makes me crying! I love every single note in this piece! I heard this sonata many times and there are many great performances, but when I heard this one, I stopped looking for more. Long time ago being a student in Music Acadamy I played this sonata with a very good violinist and it was then and still is one of my favoured chamber pieces. Now my son wants us to play it with me. This is so sad that such a genius piece is not appreciated while its creator (the composer) is still alive! I am a composer myself and feel this pain from inside. I have a piece that I composed for my son and we play it together. I called the piece: Ballade "Genius and Fate" - exectly the story about composer's life, his dreams, his love, his daubts, his struggle and finaly death.

[@fuehuehuefue498]

wow can i have a copy of your composed piece?

[@Sathrandur]

This sonata, especially the last movement, sits right up there with the Kreutzer sonata in my opinion.

[@sfbirdclub]

Yup. twice and thrice.

[@snickydoodle4744]

so does the difficulty of the accompaniment

[@johnlorenzen4633]

Agreed. These two are the best.

[@JoshuaSobel]

Hello fellow organist :)

[@andrewpenny4984]

This sonata is so much better than the Beethoven Kreutzer Sonata.

[@lth_lch]

Heard this piece for the first time at a Perlman concert the other day. Loved it!

[@scottxu]

Perfect combination of art and passion!

[@antoniocorreadeaguiar6780]

une interpretation fabuleuse. Deux artistes extraordinaires.

[@MrGer2295]

Beautiful ! Thanks for sharing!

[@johnlorenzen4633]

A deserved violinist favorite and masterpiece. Composer hits a home run and pumbs a wide variety. Of emotional depths never done before (wagner perhaps but that's opera)...both player and viewer sense this right away. Its breathless.....like the stars taking a break from their zooming and doing an eternal dance

[@badhairdye]

A dream come true! Many thanks for posting.

[@ryohagitani892]

This rendition is marvelous.

[@nikoletaallkanjari6289]

I played in my last year of university.I feel pleasure every time I hear it. I liked the interpretation.

[@ComtessedeLuciferia]

this is an amazing recording! thank you!

[@user-jc7wl1xn1y]

Замечательно играют!Спасибо за эту запись,это настоящие мастера!!

[@LauraBallestrino]

No words for this art masterpiece

[@PETERJOHN101]

@dontzenyourselfout Jerk.

[@davidr.4916]

So very dreamy.

[@apug296]

I listen to this religiously

[@snehilkumarrajputgirdharwa1133]

Such a lovely music...

[@collectivemotive4804]

7:40 Reminiscence of 1st movement first theme (3rds) 16:31 related to 1st movement second theme 19:18 second theme of 3rd mov. 21:28 counter melody of second theme of 3rd mov. 23:44 reminiscence of 3rd mov second theme (on piano) 24:28 same thing on violin 26:18 reminiscence of counter melody of second theme in 3rd mov. shows how Franck wrote this sonata in cyclical form using inter-related themes throughout the movements.

[@WarinPartita6]

Fantastic​ rendition​ of​ the​ beloved​ Franck​ masterpiece.​ BIG​ THANKS​ for​ sharing.​

[@itamardias17]

Très beau. Merci.

[@arunimadayanand1669]

This sonata has a way of binding me to reality even when I want to leave

[@riccardovecelliosegate1189]

OMG this is just divine

[@user-te1nk1gn4e]

Первый раз услышала сонату. Я восхищена и музыкой и исполнителем!!

[@wonderlasting]

Franck was either thinking about playing organ or conducting when writing that piano part because, oh my goodness!

[@eleonoracarbonari1254]

Meravigliosi entrambi!

[@dr.rolfleonhardt6576]

Danke! Eine der schönsten Violinsonaten, die ich kenne!

[@daxdax500]

Thank you for purring the music parts on the video! Love ❤️ it.

[@sbeallvln]

I haven't heard this recording before, or this violinist! Beautiful! (I have heard the pianist, and always love his playing).

[@gabrielastoltz-cq5uz]

The piano and the violine are beautiful

[@stejan2915]

Great composition and performance. The 2nd movement is my favorite and the best. There is drama and a lot of sound and also lyrical parts. It is really hard piece by Frank. It is funny that piano has million notes, many melodic lines and technique difficulties dispite one line by violin and five notes. I do not underestimate the violin, I am just saying the facts.

[@Lily100Challenge]

Very useful information. Thank you!

[@jacqueslahondere4649]

quelle oeuvre majestueuse et quelle interprétation; magnifique

[@albertol.4048]

28:20 one of the best codas written

[@jackminto7062]

Ew no it isn't

[@shin-i-chikozima]

This splendid performance is a great gift to violin lovers

[@Dylonely42]

Indeed

[@jimmymelo5282]

The second subject of the first movement is absolutely bonkers.

[@Ivan_1791]

First time listening to this violin sonata and I regret I have been so many days without this piece in my life. Such a great composition. :)

[@Katherine-tk5oo]

Same here! It's such a great find

[@liyuchen5429]

Wow this sound quality is top notch

[@paakmah99]

A truly complicated yet beautiful piece of music.

[@studentofcounterpoint]

I really liked the last movement, very especially the canonic episodes.

[@ThorwaldJrgensen]

Best violin sonate ever!!!!!

[@emrahkorkmaz87]

Very beautiful and sensitive music.

[@gerardbegni2806]

Good to hear K. Zimmermann in this sonata. The piano plays a key role here.

[@GustavoGarcia-gz4su]

I love this sonata

[@jacqueslahondere4649]

Oh, que c'est beau!

[@user-zn1lm7cw5n]

Its too great work!

[@Dylonely42]

One of the best sonatas in my opinion. I’m not usually very interested by chamber music, but this piece is special.

[@shadmium3471]

you WILL be moved when you listen to glazunov's string quintet in A major. kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5mmk3esgrRrl9E&t= please reply once you have the opportunity to finish listening to this piece, it's one heck of a journey.

[@hardyblues2194]

How can you not be interested in chamber music? Maybe you need to get your priorities straight...

[@shadmium3471]

@@hardyblues2194 i understand people do have preferences but there's so many beautiful chamber pieces out there like the one i linked; glazunov's string quintet in A major as well as tchaikovsky and dvorak's string quartets

[@Dylonely42]

@@hardyblues2194 I widely prefer operas and orchestral pieces of music (concertos, symphonies…), which are the priorities for me.

[@user-ru8vy1uz7c]

Bravo genial music sonata super

[@mathieuringrose7960]

I was first introduced to this piece in a video game.... What a game! What a Piece! I finally found it! I've heard it on the radio not so long ago and was brought back to that game... Remembered the game and the song right away, but couldnt put a name on it... The game was: The Last Express

[@danielilongo4778]

Merci pour ce partage. Fantastique!!

[@FionaWuBach]

her sound is indescribably beautiful. velvety richness is the best i can do

[@francescagiorgi9760]

Dedicated to one of my best friends, Who passed away two years ago. She loved this magnificent music. So do I, remembering her.❤️🙏🏻

[@loraabramova1342]

По мнению муз. критиков эта соната считается одной из самых красивых сонат! Огромное спасибо!

[@benjammin6692]

Got here after listening to the Brahms No. 1 in G w? Barenboim. Not to compare, but this is purely heavenly....the Brahms had really nice melodies, but this is full of such passion in Kaja's capable hands. "O what sweeter music...." ??

[@wesmlr]

What incredible music

[@naturefruitmineralwater6307]

고맙습니다

[@adriaharris9746]

Thank you!!!

[@pelayn1]

¡Maravilloso!

[@JanKowalski-mb7ez]

This allegro is amazing...

[@noenems88]

i love it 💖💖💖

[@emrahkorkmaz87]

This piece is very beautiful.

[@jhwarby2012]

25:00 what a moment

[@ethansaltmere]

This is an amazing amazing piece. And testament to the performers for giving me this

[@dreamsdreams9493]

Second greatest violin sonata, being Brahms' in D minor THE greatest.

[@gerardbedecarter]

Beautiful playing.