R. Strauss / César Franck: Violin Sonatas – Catherine Manoukian, Xiayin Wang
Strauss composed the Violin Sonata under the romantic spell of Pauline de Ahna, whom he would later marry. The work is full of youthful energy, hope, and anticipation. Franck’s Sonata was first performed in 1886 by the virtuoso violinist Eugène Ysaÿe. It was composed as a wedding gift for Ysaÿe and Franck presented him with the manuscript at his wedding-day breakfast. Wasting no time, Ysaÿe rehearsed the composition and performed it at his own nuptials. The Sonata soon became a signature piece in Ysaÿe’s repertoire.
About Catherine Manoukian: ‘What will absorb you is Manoukian’s singing line, gossamer finesse and passionate rhetorical flourishes.’
The Vancouver Sun
About Xiayin Wang:
‘…an estimable grasp of pianistic color and an ability to maintain and illuminate a strand of melody within the thickest of textures.’
The New York Times
Performance ***** Recording *****
"...unforgettable. Bravo!"
Julian Haylock - BBC Music Magazine - Septmber 2011
"...I like this more every time I listen to it. Good Sound." Joseph Magil - American Record Guide March/April 2011
"...Strongly, if not urgently, recommended ..."
Robert Maxham - Fanfare - March/April 2011
