Presents
Franz Danzi
Horn Sonata No.1 in E flat Major, Op.28
While there had been lots of concertos for horn and orchestra, there had been only one example of a sonata for horn and piano before Danza attempted to compose his first in 1804. Most composers had found it too difficult to manage the two instruments together, the one exception being Beethoven. And it is almost certain that it was Beethoven's Horn Sonata of 1801 that served as both Danzi's inspiration and model. When it was published and premiered in 1805, it was highly praised for its technique and for its appealing melodies. The first movement begins with an Adagio introduction which leads to the main movement, a Mozartean Allegro. The middle movement is a charming and lyrical Larghetto. The beautiful and very effective finale once again brings Mozart to mind.
Franz Danzi (1763-1826) was born near and grew up in Mannheim. Danzi studied cello with his father and composition with Abt Vogler before he joined the famous Mannheim orchestra of the Elector in 1778. His career spanned the transition from the late Classical to the early Romantic styles. Danzi knew Mozart and mentored Carl Maria von Weber. In 1783, Danzi succeeded his father as one of the conductors of Elector’s orchestra. He eventually rose to the position of Kapellmeister at the courts in Munich and later Stuttgart. He was a prolific composer who wrote works in virtually every genre. Danzi's chamber music includes sextets, quintets, quartets and trios, some for strings, some for wind instruments and some for a combination of the two. These works are generally in a style that reflects his own early experience in Mannheim.
Mozart never tried his hand at writing a horn sonata, but this sonata of Danzi's need not fear any comparison. It is as fine a classical era horn sonata as one can find. Warmly recommended to professions and good amateur players.
Parts: $19.95
