Schumann: Piano Sonata No. 1 in F-Sharp Minor, Op. 11

Featuring

Lauren Eberwein
Adam Golka
Robert Schumann

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Album & Artwork

This album is dedicated to José Feghali, Adam Golka's beloved late teacher, who was also the producer of Golka's previous album.

Compositional Technique

The slow movement of Schumann's First Piano Sonata is based on his earlier song 'An Anna', which tells the story of a dying soldier sending greetings to his love.

Performer Biography

Adam Golka, the pianist on this recording, won first prize at the 2nd China Shanghai International Piano Competition at age sixteen.

Composer Biography

Robert Schumann worked on all three of his piano sonatas in 1835, when he was twenty-five years old.

Composition History

Schumann's First Piano Sonata, titled 'Grosse Sonate' (Grand Sonata), was dedicated to Clara, from 'Florestan and Eusebius' — the two sides of Schumann's personality.

Recording & Production

This album was recorded at the American Academy of Arts and Letters in New York City, using a Hamburg Steinway D piano named 'Chantal'.

Interpretation

Pianist Adam Golka describes the Finale of Schumann's First Piano Sonata as a 'mysterious labyrinth of extreme emotions' that can leave both listener and performer lost.