Ysaÿe: Six Sonatas for Solo Violin

Roman Simovic violin
LSO5130 / LSO Live
https://lsolive.lso.co.uk/

Here is a first-rate recording of Eugène Ysaÿe's Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, written in 1924 by the Belgian violinist and composer whose set represents a musical snapshot of that moment in the evolution of violin playing. An acclaimed virtuoso himself, Ysaÿe wrote each sonata for one of his contemporaries: Joseph Szigeti, Jacques Thibaud, George Enescu, Fritz Kreisler, Mathieu Crickboom and Manuel Quiroga. What results is a creative love letter to the violin, challenging and embracing the technical and lyrical possibilities of the instrument throughout six stylistically unique sonatas.

No wonder Ysaÿe was given the sobriquet 'The King of the Violin'. These sonatas demand virtuosity and strong technique, qualities which Roman Simovic displays with more aplomb than one could reasonably expect even from a musician of his standing.

Stepping into the spotlight the London Symphony Orchestra's leader presents this fresh recording of one of the cornerstones of the violin repertoire, demonstrating incredible technique, outstanding virtuosity and impressive musicality throughout. It's like following a map's contours—the ascents and descents cleverly defined by Simovic in performances of remarkable strength. His clear, resonant tone and rhythmic versatility, with wonderfully defined dynamics, are magnificently captured on the 1709 Antonio Stradivari violin generously loaned to him by Jonathan Moulds. Simovic follows the contours of the score with such sensitivity that we are rewarded with genuinely nuanced performances of these magnificent compositions.

He gets to the heart of each piece with intensity and expressive sensitivity. There are moments of beauty and tenderness that Simovic conjures with disarming eloquence. The lovely opening to Sonata No. 2 is particularly affecting, its 'Bachian' opening movement directly quoting the Prelude to Bach's Solo Partita in E major, as if the soloist were playing fragments whilst warming up—an effect Simovic delivers with touching intimacy.

Superbly recorded with engineering skill that matches the quality on display from Simovic, these captivating performances feel as though they are being delivered directly to the listener. This is essential listening for anyone who loves the violin repertoire.