Sonata in A Major and Melancolie for cello and piano by Cesar Franck
Urtext. Edited by Douglas Woodfull-Harris. Published by Barenreiter.
Cesar Franck (1822-90) was one of the most influential composers in France at the end of the nineteenth century, as well as a prominent organist and respected teacher. His music is most known for its recurring cyclic themes, deep expression and dramatic harmonies and modulations, the latter an important influence on Debussy. Unusually for a composer of his stature, his reputation rests almost entirely on a handful of late works.
Franck dedicated his Violin Sonata in A Major (1886) to the great virtuoso Eugene Ysaye, who championed the work across his illustrious career. It is an important and deeply treasured work in the core violin repertory; its reputation and singular qualities are such that it is often played by violists and cellists, a rare feat among violin sonatas.
This urtext edition of the cello and piano arrangement edited by Douglas Woodfull-Harris also includes the posthumously-published ''Melancolie'', a short piece connected to his time as a professor at the Paris Conservatory. Though it resembles an etude, it has the dramatic and expressive components of Franck's melodic style and can be considered a preparation piece to the sonata. Includes critical commentary and background. The sonata is for advanced players, grade 5; ''Melancolie'' is suitable for intermediate-advanced players, grade 4.
