Customer Reviews

Ysa˙e: Solo Violin Sonatas

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I usually review books, because I think there are others who can better review classical music, but on re-listening to this divine recording tonight I simply had to comment on the pleasure it has given me over the past several years. I first fell in love with this music as a young man when my first wife used to practice the "Ballade". She never performed it, but I've heard others do so, as well as bits and pieces of Ysaye's other Solo Violin Sonatas. But this is devilishly difficult music, both technically and musically, so I don't think I ever really heard it played as it should be until I got this recording.

What a revelation! Ysaye's Sonatas are some of the most beautiful and moving music written, although I must admit that I think they are perhaps an acquired taste for many. But those who have ears to hear should certainly give this CD a listen. If you do not like this recording by Ilya Kaler, then you simply don't like these pieces, because I think it is safe to say that no one could play them better.

Kaler's technique and intonation are impeccable throughout, and delivered with an assurance that speaks of profound reserves still left untapped. Then there is the glorious tone he pulls from whatever violin this happens to be - the liner doesn't say - resounding just perfectly in the marvelous acoustics of the St. John Chrysostom Church, in Newmarket, Ontario, where it was flawlessly recorded by Naxos with what sounds like state-of-the-art equipment, and with love. The overall sound quality is second to none, just glorious.

Topping off all these great technical feats, finally, is the life Mr. Kaler breathes into this music with his interpretation. He could not render such a profound and deeply moving interpretation without the technique to back it up, but with the technique firmly in hand he then also has the musical insight to draw out sublime and unexpected nuances that surprise and delight and move me anew each time I listen. It stirs me like almost nothing else. I never tire of it. My highest recommendation.

With no competition, this is the greatest interpretation and recording of the Ysaye sonatats. Kaler, as usual, displays his technical perfection - giving the utmost attention to the very fine details of violin playing. His passionate execution seeps through your speakers and is trancelike...simply stunning

I agree that this is the best 8 dollars can buy, but even if it was $17.99 or more, I'd urge you to get one copy. The downside is the recording technology of Naxos (which is not so bad), but you will easily forget about that with Kaler's performance of these sonatas. As a violinist and a musician, that's all I want to say.

The tempi are plenty fast, and yet Kaler doesn't miss a note. The sound is just fine, and his tone never deteriorates into the squawking which characterizes some performances.
And yet, I find him rather dull. I encourage the reader to at least sample albums by Vengerov (who records four of the six) and Zehetmair to see what a bit more passion brings to these works. 3.5/5

The six solo sonatas of Ysaye represent a violinistic Grand Canyon, encompassing literally every aspect of violin technique and musicality. Few violinists in the world play them (or have played them) exceptionally well on both of the aforementioned levels. Ilya Kaler is one who does. No stone is left unturned in the performances of each sonata, all emerges with arresting importance, a refreshing change from most other performances wherein the violinist hits all the notes and not much more. Technical side note, Kaler is an expert in double-stopping and chording, in the same way that Milstein and a scant few others were. Ysaye's sonatas are full of both, and in order to not sound like a mess, the violinist has to execute them flawlessly...I will go out on a limb to say that Kaler probably plays them better than Ysaye did. To touch on a few favorite moments - Kaler captures the sarcastic humor in the final movement of Sonata #2, subtitled 'Les Furies'. He embraces all the passion of Sonata #3 (the most popular of the six, subtitled 'Ballade'), and the quieter moments of Sonata #4, with left-hand pizzicato. Kaler's discing is my personal favorite of the Ysaye sonatas and I recommend it highly.

This music was published by Ysaye in 1924. As discussed in the notes each sonata was dedicated to a contemporary violinist. If you enjoy Bach's solo violin Sonatas and Partitas there is a good chance you will enjoy this music. The music is technically very challenging for the violinist and Kaler seems to have no difficulty with it. His technique is superb. Overall the recording has a little too much reverberation. This may make the playing seem a little less warm then it might have. I do not find the recording lacking in emotion as stated by one of the other reviewers. We all respond differently to the color of an instrument and degree of vibrato used. The only other recording I have of these six sonatas are by Gidon Kremer Vox Box CDX5115. The interpretations are quite different and merit hearing. He seems to use a wider dynamic range and more rubato. I think the recording captures Kremer's sound with a more metallic edge than I have heard elsewhere including in the concert hall. Overall Kaler's performances compare well and should be heard. I look forward to hearing other recordings by Kaler.

...and it is wonderful. I've always loved Ysaye's second and third sonatas, but this performance has really shown me the beauty of the others too. Kaler's rendition of the fifth is especially beautiful. I can see "L'Aurore" of the first movement perfectly in my mind's eye, and the dance in the second movement has just the right about of energy and vigor.

Of course, the sonatas that I was already familiar with were made even more beautiful by Kaler's genius playing.

If you are familiar with a few of Ysaye's sonatas, and you want to check out the others, this is perfect. If you're a long-time fan and expert, it's also perfect: the performance is spot-on technically, always emotive without being overblown. It will illuminate the songs you already know and make you fall in love with the ones you don't.