Xavier Montsalvatge

Sonatine pour Yvette

Xavier Montsalvatge (1912–2002) was a prolific composer who drew his inspiration from a variety of sources, some Catalan, some Latin, most notably: his fondness for the Groupe des Six, Stravinsky’s rhythms, his admiration for Ravel and his interactions with Olivier Messiaen. His Sonatine pour Yvette, written in 1962, which shows clear post-impressionist influences, with a level of virtuosity reminiscent of Liszt, is dedicated to Gonzalo Soriano, one of the greatest pianists of the 20th century. Its title evokes the name of the composer’s daughter, Yvette. Introduction and notes on interpretation in French and English by Florence Ribot.