Sonaten I-XVI

Jirí Antonín Benda (1722–1795) is an important figure of early European Classicist music. His cycle of 16 piano sonatas exemplifies the creative and original way in which the composer builds on the piano works of his predecessors, especially on the compositions of Ch. Ph. E. Bach. Benda created a work of remarkable insight, brilliant technical perfection and distinctive formal structure. Further details are included in the Preface by Jan Racek and the Editor’s Notes by V. J. Sýkora.

This edition was prepared according to the original print version of the sonatas, as they were published during the composer’s lifetime. Obvious printing errors have been corrected; dynamics, pedal marking and fingering have been included additionally, all with a mind to educational needs. The sonatas are still played at concerts today, and are used for teaching the piano and harpsichord. The publication is part of the Musica Antiqua Bohemica series.