Nikolaus von Krufft, born 1st February 1779 in Vienna as son of a state minister, studied philosophy between 1794 and 1797, and law until 1800, at the University of Vienna. In 1801 he was employed by the Secret Court and State Chancellery. In 1815 he accompanied Metternich to Paris, and in 1817 to Italy and Styria. Nikolaus von Krufft received his first piano lessons from his mother and studied composition under Albrechtsberger. He was very devoted to his musical work and died early, at the age of 39, in Vienna (16th April 1818). The Allgemeine Musikalische Zeitung of 1818 described him as "a pianist of rare skill and precision, a composer distinguished by spirit and study" ("als Clavierspieler durch seltene Fertigkeit und Präcision, als Componist durch Geist und Studium ausgezeichnet"). His songs are especially significant, he was of great importance to Franz Schubert, as were his 24 Preludes and Fugues for piano, following Bach.
Sonata in E major for Horn (or Violoncello) and Piano
First new edition of this Sonata in E major, based on the first print, published in 1814 by Breitkopf and Härtel in Leipzig. Besides the original key of E major, the sonata is also offered in an edition in E-flat major. In this edition, the horn part is edited in both E-flat and F, which should be a welcome relief especially for students. The E-flat major edition does not include a cello part!
