Peter Oakes and Sally Flann

Francoeur  Sonata in E

Chopin       Polonaise Brillante

Franck       Sonata in A

François Francoeur was a violinist at the royal court in Paris in the mid-18th century. He wrote several books of violin sonatas, some of which have been transcribed for cello.

Chopin wrote almost exclusively for the piano, so this Polonaise is a rare and brillante exception.

Franck wrote his great sonata as a wedding present for the violinist Ysaÿe. It is a work of great happiness with its soaring themes and swirling accompaniments. The final movement includes lines of melody that constantly intertwine – a wonderfully apt symbol in what has been called the ‘wedding present’ sonata.