FRIEDRICH KUHLAU (1786-1832): Piano Sonatas in A Minor, Op. 8a (First Recording) and in E Flat, Op. 127 (formerly Op. 16, Sonatina in C, Op. 20/1.

Description: Not as visible these days as some of his German and Danish contemporaries, Kuhlau was known as the “Danish Beethoven” (because of his popular flute works!). The etude-like op. 127 of 1815 reveals a deep expressiveness looking ahead to Chopin’s studies, while the sophisticated op. 8a (1813) shows Kuhlau’s contemplative, darker side before closing with typical virtuoso esprit. The charm and elegance of the Sonatina from 1819 has delighted piano students for generations. Jens Lühr (piano).