Classical Music | Music for Duo

Recorded on 06/27/2006, uploaded on 01/10/2009

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Sonata No. 1 in a minor, Op. 105                  Robert Schumann           

Mit leidenschaflichem Ausdruck; Allegretto; Lebhaft

Robert Schumann's three violin sonatas were composed in his later years (1851 - 1853).  Sonata No. 1 in a minor is considered a small work; however it holds its own against the very best of this genre.  The opening entrance of the violin puts the listener into a melancholic trance that could only be described as characteristic of Schumann.  Unlike most sonatas which contrast a slow, gentle second movement with quicker-paced first and third movements, Schumann decided to depart from convention, choosing rather an upbeat allegretto style for the middle movement of his first sonata.  The final movement is written in a lively, scherzo-like style that conjures up excitement and a typical romantic flair.    Michael Cansfield

Courtesy of International Music Foundation.