Kodaly: Sonata, Op. 4 For Cello & Piano/Ludwig

Category: Cello and Piano ** Composer: Kodaly, Zoltan ** Title: Sonata, Op. 4 ** Edited by: Janos Starker and Emilio Colon ** Publisher: Starker Performance Edition. Published by Ludwig Masters Publications ** Difficulty: ASTA Grade 6.

Zoltan Kodaly's Sonata for Violoncello and Piano, Opus 4 (1910) was composed along with his Violin Sonata Op. 7 early in his life, before his work was entirely accepted by critics and the public. This sonata was considered too modern by many at the time of its premier, though it also prominently features folk themes. The first movement (Fantasia) opens with a modern, imaginative theme, distinctly reminiscent of French impressionist works, before mixing with Hungarian themes is introduced. The second and final movement starts just the opposite -- immediately introducing a strong folk theme that Kodaly himself claimed was also inspired by Beethoven. The end of the second movement re-introduces the Fantasia, achieving rare and powerful unity between the two movements of this Sonata.