Friedrich Kuhlau, a prominent early Romantic composer in Denmark, lost his right eye at age seven after falling on a broken bottle, which led his parents to give him a piano.
Recording & Production
This album includes world premiere recordings of Friedrich Kuhlau's Piano Sonata in A minor, Op. 8a, and Piano Sonata in E flat major, Op. 127.
Composer Biography
In 1831, Kuhlau's house burned down, destroying all his unpublished manuscripts, including a Second Piano Concerto, and he died the following year.
Historical Context
Kuhlau fled Hamburg to Copenhagen in 1810 to avoid conscription into the Napoleonic Army, which occupied Hamburg from 1806 to 1814.
Composer Biography
Kuhlau became a Danish citizen and royal chamber musician in 1813, a position arranged by Countess Münster-Meinhövel, to whom he dedicated his Piano Sonata, Op. 8a.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Kuhlau, often called the 'Danish Beethoven' or 'Beethoven of the flute,' assimilated both external and Scandinavian influences in his compositions, even using numerous Scandinavian folk songs.
Performer Biography
Jens Lühr, the pianist on this recording, was born in the same town as Friedrich Kuhlau, Uelzen, and emigrated to Scandinavia, following a similar path to the composer.
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