A Technical Practice Regime for the Mastery of Eugène Ysaÿe’s Sonata for Solo Violin No. 4 in E Minor, Op. 27

This study was motivated by the desire to understand how to practise compositions which present numerous technical challenges concurrently, such as Ysaye's Sonata No. 4. Eleven professional and semi-professional violinists who have performed the Sonata were asked to identify and rank the most challenging excerpts. The results yielded eleven passages, which were analysed to identify the individual techniques present. The outcome of this research was a Practice Manual violinists may use when practising the Sonata. In addition to specific exercises it aids them to identify which aspects of their playing require attention, and plan efficient practice sessions.