About this Release
“I have a passion for Kuhlau's music as it inspires me to express myself within his subtle technicality. I have a special interest for this composer, who in my view is still not fully appreciated by the wider classical music audiences. I have travelled to various libraries in Copenhagen and Munich to research his piano works, and as I discovered more and more beautiful music and developed a passion for this composer, I hope others will come to enjoy the richness and musicality of his works through this recording.” — Jens Lühr
KUHLAU, FRIEDRICH (1786–1832)
Sonatas in E Flat Major and A Minor • Sonatina in C Major
- Jens Lühr, piano
Friedrich Kuhlau was among the most important early Romantic composers in Denmark, becoming known as the ‘Danish Beethoven’ for his popular works for flute. The Piano Sonata, Op. 127 reveals a deep expressiveness reminiscent of Chopin’s Études, while the sophisticated Piano Sonata, Op. 8a shows Kuhlau’s contemplative, darker side before closing with typical virtuoso esprit. The charm and elegance of the Sonatina, Op. 21, No. 1 has delighted piano students for generations.
This recording was made on a modern instrument: Grotrian 208 Charis
Tracklist
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Piano Sonata in E-Flat Major, Op. 127 (1815) (00:22:00 )
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1
I. Allegro (00:11:05)
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2
II. Adagio con molto espressione (00:04:05)
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3
III. Finale: Allegro con spirito (00:06:52)
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Piano Sonata in A Minor, Op. 8a (1812) (00:27:00 )
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4
I. Allegro non troppo ed espressivo * (00:09:38)
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5
II. Adagio con anima * (00:08:46)
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6
III. Allegro di molto con agitazione * (00:08:06)
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Piano Sonatina in C Major, Op. 20, No. 1 (1820) (00:08:00 )
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7
I. Allegro (00:03:05)
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8
II. Andante (00:02:21)
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9
III. Rondo: Allegro (00:02:30)
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The Artist(s)
Lühr is known as a soloist and chamber musician, as well as being an interpreter of contemporary music, playing or taking part in several premieres. In 2012 and 2014 he won second prize at the International Music Competition of France (CMF) in the highest category for pianists. The Composer(s)
Born near Hanover, Kuhlau settled in Denmark in 1810 as a pianist and composer, winning an important position in Danish music of the period and a reputation as a concert pianist. Much of his music was destroyed in a fire in 1832. Reviews
“Jens Lühr plays the works on this disc with sparkling surehandedness and sensitive subtlety.” – Fanfare
“All of this music rings true. There is a superior presence behind every movement. Jens Luhr plays it all with poetic grace.” – Gapplegate Classical-Modern Music Review
Also Available
Grand Piano has gained a reputation for producing high quality recordings of rare keyboard gems. Dedicated to the exploration of undiscovered piano repertoire, the label specialises in complete cycles of piano works by many lesser-known composers, whose output might otherwise have remained unknown and unrecorded.
- info@grandpianorecords.com
