Kuhlau - Sonatina in C, Op. 20 No. 1 - Allegro

This allegro, an essential component of the sonatina repertoire, is a precious resource for intermediate piano learners due to its fast and sparkling nature. Kuhlau, having lived between 1786-1832, was firmly rooted in the classical tradition. He was born 16 years post-Beethoven's birth and 5 years before Mozart's demise. Although of German origin, he moved to Denmark, obtaining citizenship, in a bid to evade conscription into Napoleon's forces. His sonatinas, coupled with his other compositions for piano and different instruments, gained substantial popularity during his lifetime.