Eduard de Hartog’s Sonate-Symphonie (c. 1840–1850) is an unconventional discovery in the 19th-century piano repertoire: a four-movement sonata with an eclectic style and a distinct pianistic signature. Despite its title, the movements differ in character and are not cyclically connected. The overall structure is classical, yet the musical content reveals a broad stylistic range—from Beethovenian thematic development to Litolff-like bravura writing, and from Chopinesque cantilenas to unexpected modulations and delicate ornamentation.
The outer movements and the Scherzo overflow with virtuosity and rhythmic drive, while the slow movement retreats into long-spun lines and ornamented lyricism. De Hartog’s writing is strikingly transparent: he avoids dense textures and favours fluid, open structures, interspersed with passages of dazzling note density. This unique combination of brilliant keyboard treatment and stylistic versatility makes the Sonate-Symphonie an intriguing work—demanding for the performer, yet rich in character and colour.
Quick Overview
Composer: Eduard de Hartog (1825–1909)
Edition: Urtext (FE016)
Pages: 69 (57 + XII) pages
Difficulty: Level 9 / 10
Editor: Martijn Vromans
Paper: A4, 120 gsm cream (Clairefontaine)
Binding: Black steel wire binding
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