A Comparison of Interpretations on Ysaÿe Violin Sonata No.3
Eugene Ysaÿe was a Belgian violinist, composer, and conductor. He had no formal training as a composer. However, his 6 solo violin sonatas are some of the most difficult pieces for the violin in terms of technique and interpretation. 1. Hilary Hahn ( Hilary Hahn - Ysaye Violin Sonata No. 3 "Ballade" - YouTube ) A brilliant performance overall with consistent restraint throughout the entire piece. The melody begins as haunting, eerie, and mournful but eventually turns to desperate, wailing notes. The bow control exhibited is remarkable and incredibly smooth. In one word; entrancing. 2. Augustin Hadelich ( Augustin Hadelich plays Ysaÿe Sonata No. 3 "Ballade" LIVE - YouTube ) His performance is perhaps not as recognized, but nonetheless astonishing. A combination of deliberate and well thought out phrasing. The pace is comparatively much slower to other performances, but allows time for the listener to contemplate on the emotion of the piece. Hadelich's intonati...