La Sentimentale, Op. 9b

Henri Vieuxtemps composed the fantasia La Sentimentale in readiness for his second tour of Russia in 1839-1840. In terms of its character, the fantasia is marked by bel canto opera. Vieuxtemps himself performed it many times until at least 1843, among others under the direction of the young Richard Wagner. The work is now appearing in print for the first time to mark the composer's 200th birthday.