The Sonata in A major for Violin and Piano was completed in 1886 by Belgian/French composer César Franck (1822 - 1890). He composed this masterpiece as a wedding present for the 28-year-old Belgian violinist and composer Eugène Ysaÿe. It is my personal favourite under the violin sonatas, even outshining Brahms' sterling works. The average playing time is 28 minutes (AllMusic). I have two versions, of which I have a clear preference for Kyung Wha Chung and Radu Lupu on a Decca/London CD.
