Classical Music | Cello Music

César Franck

Sonata for Violin and Piano in A Major (transcribed for cello)  Play

Benjamin Capps Cello
Vassily Primakov Piano

Recorded on 12/09/2015, uploaded on 07/21/2016

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Violin Sonata in A Major by César Franck,, arr. for the cello by Jules Delsart

The Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano by César Franck was written in 1886 for the legendary violinist Eugène Ysaÿe. Later Franck himself sanctioned a transcription of the sonata for Cello and Piano by cellist Jules Delsart. The transcription is nearly identical with the exception of a handful of changes. Today’s performance of this sonata does not use some of Delsart’s changes, therefore staying even closer to Franck’s original musical intent in three of the most powerful moments of the piece.  

The Franck Sonata is considered a recital centerpiece in the romantic literature for both cello and violin. The piano part is also among the greatest works for piano in the chamber music genre. Lastly, to the astute ear, the work is cyclical in nature. The main theme is present virtually throughout the entire work. This melodic thread is presented in seemingly infinite conjugations.                  Notes by Ben Capps