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Debussy's Sonata for Violin was written in 1917 and was intended as the fourth in a cycle of six sonatas for various instruments. It follows the sonatas that he wrote for cello, for flute and for viola and harp, but turned out to be the last major work that he would complete before cancer prematurely ended his life. The premiere took place on 5th May 1917 with Debussy himself at the piano accompanying the violinist Gaston Poulet. Debussy was profoundly affected by the First World War and his Sonata for Violin begins with an elegiac movement. The final movement, inspired by Hungarian gypsy music, does however bring the sonata to a more optimistic close. Recommended Recording: Jennifer Pike (violin); Martin Roscoe (piano) Chandos 10667 (CD) Other Recommended Recordings: Below are other recordings that Caroline Rae also liked, although we can’t guarantee availability. Joseph Szigeti (violin); Bela Bartók (piano) Vanguard Classics 08 8008 71 Gérard Poulet (violin); Noël Lee (piano) Arion ARN 68228 Renaud Capuçon (violin); Bertrand Chamayou (piano) Erato 9029577396 Joshua Bell (violin); Jean-Yves Thibaudet (piano) Decca 421 817-2
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