A Forgotten Genius
frederic kuhlau

Piano Sonata op.46 nr.2

composed in 1822, it exemplifies his much easier compositions for piano. It is a work marked with brevity and more extensive use of thinner textures. It consists of a slow introduction, adagio patetico(reminiscent of Beethoven's Pathetique), followed by a rondo, allegro agitato. What distinguishes this sonata (sonatina) to others is the emotional depth and intensity of feeling on a more grandiose scale. Secondly, the technical difficulties, though less taxing than most sonatas, are by no means on the elementary level of a sonatina. The introduction begins with thick, arpeggiated chords in dotted rhythm marked by sudden dynamic contrasts where Kuhlau once again, utilizes the orchestral capabilities of the piano. A lyrical plaintive melody shoots out with a quiet accompaniment in later measure. The movement followed complements the intro, in a favour of an unusual rondo form. The final section is cast in two parts, each repeated, consists mainly of rapid scale passages punctuated by broken chords supported by sustained bass notes, marks an energetic conclusion to the sonata.

Sheet music available from IMSLP.