Kuhlau: Complete Sonatas for Flute & Piano

Friedrich Kuhlau was born in Hannover, but as a student he went to Denmark, where he stayed the rest of his life, becoming an important national composer.

· Kuhlau was a near contemporary of Beethoven, and his style shares elements of that genius. Rooted in the 18th century classicism it foreshadows the Romantic movement in a true expression of affect, daring dissonances and sudden harmonic changes, and a general expression of romantic moods as favored in the fashionable salons.

· Most of Kuhlau's chamber music features the flute, a commercially astute selection given the popularity of the instrument among amateur musicians at the time. This new recording presents the complete seven Sonatas for Flute and Piano, music of considerable drama, brilliance and virtuosity, but also of gentle lyricism and charm.

· Played by two young, highly gifted musicians from Italy: flautist Maria Caturelli and pianist Michele Tozzetti.