The first piece Keyboard Sonata in C Minor, Op. 1 No. 2: I. Fièrement is from Étienne-Nicolas Méhul, who was a French composer best known for his operas and dramatic music. His three Op. 1 keyboard sonatas date from 1783, when he was only around 20 years old. The set was originally published for either harpsichord or fortepiano, although the strong dynamic contrasts in the C minor Sonata make the expressive capabilities of the piano particularly effective. The movement is marked Fièrement, meaning ‘proudly’, and that character can be heard immediately in its bold and dramatic opening. Although this is a Classical-period sonata, the sudden contrasts of mood, strong dynamics and almost theatrical gestures give us an early glimpse of the dramatic style that would become central to Méhul’s later music.

The second piece Mazurka in G Minor, Op. 6 No. 3 is from Clara Schumann. Clara Schumann was one of the leading pianists of the nineteenth century, but she was also a gifted composer. She wrote Soirées musicales while still in her teens, and the collection was published in 1836.

A mazurka is originally a Polish dance in triple time, but Clara Schumann turns the dance into something much more intimate and expressive. This piece is marked con dolore e legato, suggesting a feeling of sorrow and a smooth, singing quality. As you listen, you can hear the characteristic dance rhythm underneath music that is elegant, lyrical and at times quite melancholic.