Trois Sonates, Opus 33

Composer: Joseph Woelfl (a.k.a. Wölfl)

Title of the Publication: Trois Sonates

Opus: Opus 33

Composition Year: 1805

Edition Type: Urtext

Edition Number: FD017

Editor: Martijn Vromans

Languages of the Text: English, German, French, and Spanish

Pages/Format: Total 72 pages (including 1 full colour portrait, 12 pages introduction, 2 pages critical commentary, 50 pages with music)

Difficulty Level: 7–8/10

Virtuosic Brilliance: Each sonata in Wölfl’s Trois Sonates, Opus 33 exemplifies his virtuosic compositional style. These works, while not as complex as those of Clementi or Hummel, are rich in technical challenges and innovative passages. They offer pianists an excellent opportunity to showcase their technical and artistic prowess within the classical idiom, leaving audiences impressed.

Emotional Depth: The emotional range of these sonatas is notable. The lively and upbeat first sonata contrasts with the introspective and somber, yet occasionally intense Sturm und Drang elements of the second sonata, while the third sonata is characterized by its energetic and military nature. While these sonatas are primarily classical and elegant, they still possess considerable emotional depth.

Historical Significance: These sonatas provide valuable insight into the classical period’s stylistic framework in the early 19th century. Wölfl’s compositions maintain the elegance of the classical era while introducing a much higher level of virtuosity that was innovative for its time, without delving into romantic expressiveness or sentimentality.

This edition of Wölfl’s Trois Sonates, Opus 33 not only highlights the composer’s significant contributions to the piano repertoire but also emphasizes the richness found between the works of Mozart and Haydn, and those of Beethoven. The collection reaffirms Wölfl’s important role among the virtuoso composers of the late 18th century, continuing to inspire and captivate musicians and music lovers alike.

Joseph Johann Baptist Wölfl, born on December 24, 1773, in Salzburg, displayed prodigious musical talent from an early age. Educated by esteemed mentors such as Michael Haydn and Leopold Mozart at the prestigious *Kapellhaus*, Wölfl further honed his skills under the guidance of Maria Anna (Nannerl) Mozart. His early training set the stage for a distinguished career, leading him to perform alongside Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and establish himself as a virtuoso pianist in Vienna and beyond.

Wölfl's remarkable abilities and reputation as a formidable pianist earned him acclaim throughout Europe. His compositions, spanning piano music, chamber music, and operas, reflect a distinctive blend of technical brilliance and lyrical clarity. Known for his impressive hand spans and astonishing speed, Wölfl's style, often described as "turbocharged Mozart," captivated audiences with its infectious virtuosity and enchanting melodies. Despite being overshadowed by Beethoven's rise, Wölfl's influence persisted, paving the way for later composers like Hummel, Schubert, Mendelssohn, and Chopin. His music, characterized by a clear, classical structure and devoid of sentimentality, remains a testament to his enduring legacy in the classical music canon.

A notable highlight of Wölfl's career was his legendary duel with Ludwig van Beethoven in 1799. This competition, held in the house of Baron Raimund Wetzlar in Vienna, saw the two virtuosos improvising on themes set by each other, much to the delight of the gathered musical elite. The duel, described as an unforgettable event by eyewitnesses, showcased the contrasting styles of the two pianists—Wölfl's clear, structured virtuosity against Beethoven's powerful, emotionally charged improvisations. Though no definitive winner was declared, the duel solidified Wölfl's status as one of the most formidable pianists of his time.