for piano
The piano music of Christian Fink (1831–1911) makes him a typical representative of the 19th century. Fink, who was born in Württemberg, wrote his Two Sonatinas op. 16 in the climate of the Leipzig Conservatory and in the tradition of Schumann and Mendelssohn. His contemporaries recognised them as a welcome expansion of the repertoire and foresaw a specific use for them in tuition. They were praised as “musically interesting” and “comfortably set”. In places, Fink moves beyond the limits of the sonata towards the character pieces for the piano which were popular at the time, for example in the labelling of a movement as Canzonetta. Their forward-thrusting air and enthusiastic virtuosity are characteristic of these works of the youthful composer, which here are being published for the first time in a modern critical edition.
Complete recordings in the HELBLING Media App:
The HELBLING Media App provides free access to professional recordings of both sonatinas. They can serve to motivate the player and to monitor practise results. On the inside of the front cover you will find a short text with instructions and the access code for the audio content.
Performer: Robert Bärwald
Recording courtesy of Hänssler Classic, 2024