Composer

:

Johann Kuhnau

Genre

:

Keyboard

Style

:

Sonata

Compose Date

:

1700

Average_duration

:

8:00

Movement_count

:

3

Movement ....

Johann Kuhnau's Sonata for keyboard No. 4, also known as "Der todtkranke und wieder gesunde Hiskias" (The Deathly Ill and Recovered Hezekiah), was composed in 1706. The piece was premiered in Leipzig, Germany, where Kuhnau served as the music director of the Thomaskirche. The sonata is divided into four movements, each of which depicts a different scene from the biblical story of Hezekiah's illness and recovery. The first movement, "Der Todtkranke Hiskias" (The Deathly Ill Hezekiah), is a somber and mournful piece that reflects the king's despair as he faces his mortality. The second movement, "Hiskias' Klage" (Hezekiah's Lament), is a slow and introspective piece that conveys the king's sorrow and regret. The third movement, "Hiskias' Gesundung" (Hezekiah's Recovery), is a lively and joyful piece that celebrates the king's miraculous recovery. The final movement, "Hiskias' Danklied" (Hezekiah's Song of Thanks), is a triumphant and exultant piece that expresses the king's gratitude and praise for God's mercy. Kuhnau's Sonata for keyboard No. 4 is notable for its programmatic nature, as each movement tells a specific story and conveys a particular emotion. The piece also showcases Kuhnau's skill as a composer, with its intricate counterpoint, expressive harmonies, and virtuosic keyboard writing. Overall, the sonata is a masterful work that combines musical and narrative elements to create a powerful and moving experience for the listener.

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