LudwigMasters Publications Sonata Op. 4 - Kodaly/Starker/Colon - Cello/Piano

Composer: Zoltan Kodaly (1882-1967)
Editor: Janos Starker (b. 1924), Emilio Colon (b. 1967)
Format: Score and Parts
Instrumentation: Cello and Piano

The Op. 4 Sonata, except for some transcriptions, was the first work Kodaly wrote for cello, while taking some cursory cello lessons. The Sonata was followed by the Op. 7 Duo and the Op. 8 Solo Sonata. In these three works Kodaly revolutionized writing for the cello. Op. 4 opens with a brooding first movement, primarily lyric in content, which is followed by a dance-like second movement. The Sonata is strongly romantic in approach and is infused with Kodaly's usual usage of the Hungarian language. When performed well, it calls for silence rather than loud cheers.