Sonata, Op. 17 - Cello and Piano

Sonate, Op. 17 for Cello and Piano

By Luise Adolpha Le Beau

"Luise Adolpha Le Beau was born in Rastaat, Baden, on April 25, 1850. She grew up in Karlsruhe. She showed musical talent very early in life, composing her first piece at the age of 8. She studied composition, as well as voice and piano in Karlsruhe. At the end of her teenage years she toured as a concert pianist in Germany. At the age of 23 she traveled to Baden-Baden to study with Clara Schumann. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Munich to study with Josef Rheinberger. Le Beau remained in Munich for 11 years, during which time she composed numerous works, including the Sonate, opus 17, for cello and piano.

"The Sonate, opus 17, for cello and piano was published in Hamburg by A. Cranz around 1878, when Le Beau was 28 years old. She adheres to classical formal structures; her romantic impulses are soaring melodies, key changes that are occasionally stark, and a rhythmically propelling piano part that borders on virtuosic.

"This edition includes a reprint of the piano score of the 1878 edition. Because the original separate cello part was not available to this editor, this newly engraved cello part is drawn from the piano score. The 1878 edition is remarkably accurate. Throughout the composition the classical formal structures allow for comparison among similar sections." -- Susan Pickett