César Franck: Violin Sonata (2/2) - Arthur Grumiaux & István Hajdu

Violin Sonata in A, M. 8 (1886) III. Recitativo-Fantasia: Ben moderato - Largamente - Molto vivace IV. Allegretto poco mosso Accompanied by István Hajdu on the piano, Belgian violinist Arthur Grumiaux performs the famous Violin Sonata in A major by his compatriot César Franck (1822-1890). Originally conceived for cello and piano, this sonata can be performed by both cellists and violinists. The violin virtuoso and composer Eugène Ysaÿe asked Franck to write this sonata in honour of his wedding. Ysaÿe himself premiered the work in a Brussels art gallery in 1886. The form of the sonata is cyclic; throughout, Franck develops, transforms and revisits the thematic material initially laid out in the first movement.