Unknown author, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Born in Belgium, Eugene Ysaÿe (1858-1931) was a violinist most notably associated with premiere performances of works of which he was the dedicatee. In addition to the Franck Violin Sonata, other renowned composers also dedicated their works to Ysaÿe, including Ernest Chausson, Vincent d’Indy, Claude Debussy, and Guillaume Lekeu. Ysaÿe was also a well-known conductor, leading the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra from 1918 to 1922. Franck’s Violin Sonata was given to Ysaÿe in honor of his marriage to Louise Bourdeau in 1886.