Most of Romberg’s compositions are for the cello but he did also write a a few light operas, three symphonies and 11 string quartets. He composed a total of six cello sonatas all of which were extremely popular and frequently performed in concert throughout the 19th century. Scholars have noted that Brahms’ Op.38 Sonata in e minor owes a considerable debt to Romberg’s Sonata in e minor, Op.38 No.1. This Sonata is the first of a set of three composed during the first decade of the 19th century. In three movements, it begins with soulful Allegro non troppo. The fetching theme, is neither sad nor tragic, yet its lyrical melody has a melancholy tinge to it. The middle movement, Allegro grazioso, harks back to the older Italian sonatas with its long-lined vocal melodies, yet the melodies and style are firmly rooted in the early Romantic era. The finale, Rondo allegretto, brings the same mood as the opening movement, however, its 6/8 time and the rhythm of the main theme gives the music the feel of a leisurely horse ride over the countryside.
This IMC edition is edited by F.G Jansen
