Hyperion Records

During the seven years that had elapsed since the appearance of his first piano sonata, Scharwenka had established his reputation as a composer, and his second sonata in E flat, Op 36, composed in 1878, was without doubt his most substantial work for piano solo. There are four movements, with the scherzo preceding the slow third movement. Once again the melodic content is strong throughout and the piano writing is of consistent high standard, as one might expect from one of the leading pianists of the day.

from notes by Martin Eastick © 2002