Ysaÿe’s solo violin sonatas display Bach’s influence, alongside 20th century stylistic traits including quarter tones, whole tone scales and astringent dissonances. The works also include the spirit of their young dedicatees, all of whom were violinists and some composers as well.

Ysaÿe sought in these sonatas to convey the evolution of violin music, covering a broad historical and geographical range. Indeed the dedicatees represent an array of different nationalities; as Ysaÿe once stated …‘real art should be international’.

Boris Brovtsyn has established himself as one of the most profound and versatile musicians of his generation, he is in increasing demand throughout the world both as a soloists and concerto performer. He has recorded for many labels including Naxos.

This recording sees the premiere recording of the Étude posthume.