Description
Dating from around 1783, this sonata is written in the relatively unusual key of A-flat major for keyboard sonatas of the period. It comes from a time when the fortepiano was becoming more widespread, and the writing reflects an interest in softer, more varied tone colors. A gentle lyricism pervades the work, hinting at Haydn's evolving style between his middle and late periods. At about eleven and a half minutes with over 5,700 notes, it calls for the stamina and tonal control expected of advanced players.
Sonatas across a range of instrumentations, including piano parts from violin sonatas, spanning Classical to Romantic styles.
About the Composer
Franz Joseph Haydn (1732-1809)
Franz Joseph Haydn was a leading Classical-era composer from Austria who spent much of his career in service to the Esterhazy family. Often called the "father of the symphony" and the "father of the string quartet," he helped establish the Viennese Classical style with clear forms and witty invention. His numerous keyboard sonatas also served as a bridge to Mozart and Beethoven. This site includes 60 of his works, including movements from Sonatas Hob. XVI:27 and 28.
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