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Bruno, T. (2024). The Art of Dedication: An Analytical Approach to Eugène Ysaÿe's Op. 27. Retrieved from https://purl.lib.fsu.edu/diginole/Bruno_fsu_0071E_18731
The Six Sonatas for Solo Violin, Op. 27, are the most successful and widely performed compositions of Belgian violinist and composer, Eugène-Auguste Ysaÿe (1858–1931). Not only did Ysaÿe use highly innovative techniques and revolutionize the way of writing for the instrument, but he did so with exceptional artistic and conceptual creativity. Ysaÿe dedicated each sonata to a prominent violinist of his era: Joseph Szigeti, Jacques Thibaud, George Enescu, Fritz Kreisler, Mathieu Crickboom, and Manuel Quiroga. The dedications serve not only as a testament to the composer's admiration for these musicians but also play a crucial role in shaping the composition of the set. This treatise seeks to highlight the creative process that brought this innovative set of sonatas to light. It is widely acknowledged that each sonata is intended to suit the performing and compositional style of its dedicatee. However, very little has been written about how such a process is carried out or in what aspects it manifests itself. Neither Ysaÿe nor his family, friends, and biographers revealed sufficient information in regard to this compositional process. For this reason, each sonata will be systematically analyzed with the intent of uncovering the most significant connections between them and their dedicatees. Other analytical elements that do not serve this particular purpose will not be included or will not be examined in detail for the sake of clarity. These analyses will prove that Ysaÿe's approach to each sonata differs significantly based on the characteristics of the dedicatees, their artistic predispositions and predilections, and the type and nature of their relationship with Ysaÿe himself. When the dedicatee is also a composer, as seen in the case of Enescu and Kreisler, Ysaÿe adjusts his approach accordingly, considering their compositional style and even specific works with which he was familiar. The first and third chapters of this treatise will also delve into the matter of organicity and structural coherence, providing reasons to support Ysaÿe's ability to impart an overall sense of unity to the set despite its inherent eclectic and stylistically diverse nature.
A Treatise submitted to the College of Music in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Music.
Bibliography Note
Includes bibliographical references.
Advisory Committee
Benjamin Sung, Professor Directing Treatise; Sarah Eyerly, University Representative; David Kalhous, Committee Member; Gregory Sauer, Committee Member.
Publisher
Florida State University
Identifier
Bruno_fsu_0071E_18731
Bruno, T. (2024). The Art of Dedication: An Analytical Approach to Eugène Ysaÿe's Op. 27. Retrieved from https://purl.lib.fsu.edu/diginole/Bruno_fsu_0071E_18731