Although Eugene Ysaye is known for his virtuosity on the violin, he apparently also studied the cello in his youth, and maintained a great love for the cello's sound. In fact, his compositions for cello comprise the second largest number of pieces in his catalogue (after those for violin, of course!). This Sonata for Solo Cello, Op. 28 was composed around the same time as his solo violin sonatas, and the similarities are certainly audible. What is perhaps more striking about this infrequently performed work is Ysaye's real grasp of cello technique and idiom. It is a difficult work, to be sure - on par with the violin sonatas - which may explain why so few cellists perform it regularly. However, it possesses a rich, dark beauty that accents the existing charm of the cello's depth, making it a great choice for advanced cellists in search of a 20th century solo work.

This Urtext edition for solo cello is edited by Christian Bellisario. Published by G. Henle Verlag.

Difficulty: A6

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