Search - Eugene Ysaye :: Ysaÿe: Solo Violin Sonatas

Best 8 dollars you could ever spend

shs18387 | Buffalo Grove, illinois United States | 05/26/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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"

Glorious, glorious, glorious!

grouper52 | Silverdale, WA United States | 03/05/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."

Just go and get it!

T. Q. Nguyen | Boston, MA | 09/28/2007

(5 out of 5 stars)

"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."