Kuhlau

Kuhlau - Allegro con spirito (1st movt from Sonatina in A, Op. 60 No. 2)

ABRSM Grade 7 – A6

Friedrich Kuhlau was a Danish pianist and composer active during the late Classical and early Romantic periods who became a friend of Beethoven. His Allegro con spirito from the Sonatina in A, op. 60 no. 2 is excellent preparation for the larger-scale sonatas the pianist will encounter along their journey to the advanced levels. This movement opens starkly in unisons, establishing the serious, sombre character that prevails throughout. After the customary modulation to the dominant key for the second subject, we find a lamenting melody in C sharp minor, rather than the expected E major. The dominant key is finally... Read >>

Kuhlau - Allegro (1st mvt from Sonatina in C, Op. 20 No. 1)

ABRSM Grade 6 – A3

Friedrich Kuhlau’s sonatinas are beautiful examples of sonata form in miniature, ideal vehicles for the study of sonatas by the Classical masters. The structure is crystal clear in this Allegro; we find a satisfying mix of cantabile melodies (accompanied by Alberti basses), brilliant passages in fast scales, and dramatic moments that feature left hand octaves (it is perfectly fine to add touches of pedal here). Preview (please log-in or subscribe to see full video) Resources & links This piece is available for digital download individually from the... Read >>

Kuhlau - Allegretto, Op. 55 No. 2

This delicate sonata form movement in Classical style contains many lovely ideas. We find smooth lyrical melodies contrasting with sprightlier themes, and the opportunity to explore the sonorities from the different registers of the piano. Resources & links Click here to purchase sheet music form the Trinity College online store (external link). Click here to view open domain editions for these works (external link). Click here to view the index for our Guide to the Trinity... Read >>