Hermann Schroeder

Sonatina da camera

Hermann Schroeder (1904-1984) wrote his Sonatina da camera at the suggestion of Prof. Hugo Ruf who had been looking for attractive new music for his 'old' instrument and for his students at the Cologne Musikhochschule. This work is a little three-movement sonata which draws on both the Baroque harpsichord tradition and the classical sonata form (in the outer movements). These elements are combined very successfully with a modern tonal language; with humour and the joy of virtuoso playing getting their fair share too. It is to be hoped that Schroeder's single work for harpsichord (apart from his 'Duplum' for organ and harpsichord, Schott ED 6233) will be played by many performers and included in the rather small contemporary repertoire for harpsichord as a valuable addition.