5 Sonatinas, Op. 70 - Piano

Encouraged by Mendelssohn, Schumann, and Brahms, Kirchner (1823-1903) is recognised as one of the most original composers for piano among the German Romantics. The “Five Sonatinas” were written in Leipzig, where he worked as a piano teacher and composer from 1876-1883. They are suited to advanced players, and require flexible (though not virtuoso) technique and various different kinds of touch. The Sonatinas evoke a wealth of changing mood, and forgo to a large extent the runs, broken chords and stereotypical accompanying figures which elsewhere characterise the sonatina form. In their place there are independent middle parts, rhythmical intricacies and adventurous harmonies.