Franck's Violin Sonata

Radio Record, Volume VI, Issue 16, 28 October 1932, Page 5

Franck's Violin Sonata

Performance from 3YA

"Franck’s music rolls into the sous in long waves, as on the slack of @ moonlight tide. It is tenderness itself? Divine tenderness borrowing ithe humble smile of humanity."

Camille

Mauclair

HE universal affectionate veneration for the sublime music of Cesar Franck owes much to his chamber music, notably his famous "Violin Sonata," which is being played by Thelma Cusack (violin) and Maisie Ottey (piano), at SYA on Wednesday, November 2, It is a piece of musie that is variously estimated as one of the foremost masterpieces of last century, and one of the ten greatest works for the violin. The Belgian composer, whose art reminds us of Bach, wrote the Sonata in 1886 when he was sixty-four years old. It was dedicated to his fellowecountryman, Eugene Ysaye, who laboured indefatigably to bring the work to the widest recognition. The Sonata is probably unique in one respect: Its composer was appare ently indifferent whethér it should be played by violin or violoncello and pianoforte, marking it simply for one or other without a note of any preference, except the notable dedication, which for most violinists would settle the point finally. It is, of course, more often played on the violin, though parts pe are equally effective on the violoncello. To the cultivated musician the Sonata has abounding charm, and even to the uncultivated its melodies and harmonies give thrills of delight. It is distinguished by deep thoughtfulness and a consummate knowledge. The fact that Franck occupied the post of organist at the Church of St. Clothilde, Paris, for no less than 32 years, accounts for much. Living 2 life of hard work, devoting all his spare time to composition when his duties allowed him, the story of the reception of Franck’s music as it came out is almost one long list of disappointment to him, for no composer has been more misunderstood through the lack of knowledge and by sympathy on the part of his hearers. In the last year of his life the sunshine of recognition came to the sixty eight-year-old composer, who was, however, never embittered by’ the tardiness of Paris to recognise.. the genius in its midst. He was se poor when his friend Ysaye was married that in lieu of a wedding present. hs dedicated this Sonata to the violinist, and sent him his best wishes, S. Detilleux, a French artist, painted a picture of two musicians, a pianist and a violinist, which he named "The Cesar Franck Sonata," and the work was one of the artistic sensations of the French capital. ;