Sonatas for Solo Violin
This is a stunning performance of some of the most formidably difficult music in the repertoire. Written by the foremost violinist of his, and perhaps any other time, these six sonatas contain every imaginable--and some unimaginable--technical, tonal, and musical challenge for the instrument and the player. Ysaÿe's acknowledged models were Bach and Paganini, his inspiration six friends and colleagues whose playing he especially admired and to each of whom a sonata is dedicated, tailored to his instrumental and interpretive gifts. The one written for Kreisler even incorporates a little pastiche of his composing style. Although Ysaÿe had stopped performing, he poured into these sonatas his peerless knowledge of the violin and its resources, along with his lifelong experience of it as an expressive tool, creating what is widely regarded by both players and listeners as a set of masterpieces. Clearly, only a virtuoso of the highest caliber as well as intrepid courage can do justice to these works. Thomas Zehetmair has established an international reputation for his consummate technique, stylistic versatility, fiery temperament, emotional intensity, and adventurous spirit. These qualities are on abundant display on this recording, making him an ideal interpreter for these highly charged, powerful, dramatic, mercurial works for which he seems to have a natural affinity. He tosses off the most hair-raising technical feats with effortless ease: double stops of all kinds, chords, runs at top speed all over the fingerboard, tricky bravura bowings, sound effects. He can make the violin sing, speak, sigh and laugh; his tone is gorgeous, vibrant, pure, variable, nuanced; even the pizzicati sound good. He captures every mood and character of the music: its sweet, dreamy graciousness, lyrical repose, joyful exuberance, driving energy, unbridled passion, inexorable obsessiveness. This is an all-out, no-holds-barred performance that will keep you on the edge of your seat.--Edith Eisler