Classical Music | Piano Music

Franz Joseph Haydn

Sonata in E Major, Hob: XVI/31  Play

Chu-Fang Huang Piano

Recorded on 03/07/2006, uploaded on 01/26/2009

Musician's or Publisher's Notes

Sonata in E Major, Hob. XVI/31              Franz Joseph Haydn

The E Major Sonata of Haydn is dated around 1776. Most of the first movement has a two-part texture. The descending motive in the opening measures is immediately repeated an octave lower. The development derives from the motives of the exposition, and features triplet scale figures. The Allegretto is a two-part song in b minor with a long languorous melody in the right hand accompanied by a walking figure in the bass. The Finale is a Theme & Variations based on a perky melody with increasingly complex figurations added throughout the various transformations.  

(Program notes by Karen Knowlton)