Brahms's Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 1, includes a short second movement that uses a German folksong as the basis for a set of variations.
Composition History
Brahms's Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 1 was actually his second piano sonata, but he published it first to make a good impression as a budding composer.
Performer Biography
Pianist Adam Golka, born in Texas to Polish musicians, has won international awards including the 2008 Gilmore Young Artist Award and the 2009 Max I. Allen Classical Fellowship Award.
Recording & Production
This recording was produced and edited by José Feghali, who was also pianist Adam Golka's long-time mentor.
Critical Reception
Despite its current popularity, Beethoven's 'Hammerklavier' Sonata was rarely performed for decades after its publication due to its immense difficulty.
Album & Artwork
This album uniquely pairs Brahms's Piano Sonata No. 1, Op. 1 with Beethoven's 'Hammerklavier' Sonata, Op. 106, a pairing the album notes suggest has not been done before.
Compositional Technique
Beethoven's Piano Sonata No. 29, 'Hammerklavier', is known for its extreme technical difficulty, making it his most challenging piano sonata.
