Schumann - Sonata No. 1 in F Major Op. 118 for Horn and Piano, 48 Pages, Published by Breitkopf & Härtel

Schumanns horn sonatas were composed in 1936/37. Considering the slim repertoire offered horn players from this period, it is more than surprising that these two masterpieces could have slumbered for so long. Both sonatas are similar in structure, with op. 118 being one Schumanns few three-movement sonatas.

The first movements of the pieces sparkle with melancholically lyrical melodies, whereas passages strongly marked rhythmically, variously shape the two outer movements. Virtuoso moments can be found, respectively, in the final movements, bringing the works to a brilliant close. The horn parts predominantly range within the full, sonorous middle register, where occasional outbursts up to the notated a flat'' are also not lacking. The clever handling of the balance of sounds, the possibilities on the early valve horn as well as the inner interweaving of themes differentiating horn and piano make the sonatas an exceedingly vivid testimony to Schumanns mature compositional art.

Schumanns horn sonatas are a crucial enhancement to each horn players repertoire.