Eugène Ysaÿe Photo: Public Domain
Belgian violin virtuoso and composer Eugène Ysaÿe (1858-1931) was so inspired by Bach's set of six solo violin works that he resolved to write his own, representative of the evolution of techniques and expressions of his time.
Each of the six sonatas is dedicated to one of Ysaÿe's contemporaries, with the 'Ballade No 3' being dedicated to the Romanian George Enescu.
Sonata No 3 is just one movement. The designation 'Ballade' may seem initially inappropriate by conventional musical standards, but perhaps makes more sense in the sense of poetry or storytelling. This Ballade unfolds with a layering, meandering ascent towards the heavens.
Recorded in Nelson Cathedral by RNZ
Sound engineer: Graham Kennedy
