Fauré - Violin Sonata No. 1 in A Major, Op. 13, Transcribed for Cello

Gabriel Fauré (1845-1924) Violin Sonata No. 1 in A Major, Op. 13 Composed in 1875-1876; premiered in 1877 in Paris Transcribed for cello by Yo-Yo Ma (b. 1955) Performed by Yo-Yo Ma, cello, and Kathryn Stott (b. 1958), piano Recorded in 2003 at Mechanics Hall, Worcester, Massachusetts 0:00 I. Allegro molto 7:59 II. Andante 15:47 III. Scherzo: Allegro vivo 19:53 IV. Finale: Allegro quasi presto Fauré's Violin Sonata No. 1 in A Major, Op. 13, marked a significant turning point in his career and helped establish him as a major figure in French chamber music. Premiered in 1877 with violinist Marie Tayau (1855-1892) and Fauré himself at the piano, the sonata was praised for its lyrical elegance, harmonic sophistication, and fresh, flowing melodies. It reflects the influence of both Romantic and Classical traditions while showcasing Fauré’s emerging personal voice. The success of the work gained him recognition among contemporaries like Camille Saint-Saëns (1835-1921) and cemented the sonata’s place as a cornerstone of the French violin repertoire.