French Cello Sonatas

The years between the end of the Franco-Prussian War and the start of the Second World War witnessed a renaissance of French instrumental music and an evolution from the elegance of Saint-Saens to Debussy’s revolutionary style and beyond. This pioneering study surveys one hundred published cello sonatas and thirty-seven unpublished sonatas written by French composers during this fertile period. It brings to light many unknown works and provides new perspectives on those that are better known.

Sensbach presents the historical background of each piece and provides biographies of the composers. There are also biographies of cellists and pianists of the period, many of whom were well known at the time but have since faded into undeserved obscurity. Technical information – including a listing of keys and time signatures, an example of the opening measures, dates of publication and library locations – is provided for each sonata. A brief description is made of each movement, covering form, style and level of difficulty for the performers. Where possible, excerpts of original reviews and comments from the composers letters have been included. The book is richly illustrated with contemporary photographs and drawings, many published here for the first time.

French Cello Sonatas 1871-1939 is a treasure trove for cellists, cello enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the music of the age of Debussy and Ravel.