Franz Ignaz Danzi (June 15, 1763 - April 13, 1826) was a German composer and conductor, and like his father Innocenz Danzi, a cellist.

Danzi lived during an important time in musical history; he worked during the transition from late Classical music to early Romantic music, and had associations with many of the major composers in those eras. He knew and admired Mozart, he was a contemporary of Beethoven, and was a mentor for Carl Maria von Weber, whose music he promoted. Danzi was a well respected musician; though he wasn't a composer extraordinaire, he was known for his excellent cello playing, and his leadership in many orchestras.

Danzi's compositions as a whole are well written, and pleasant to the ears. He wrote works for his own instrument, the cello, and also many pieces for woodwinds and brass. His Sonata for Horn and Piano in E minor was written around 1812, and was first published for piano and natural horn, but is often played by the valve horn today. The first movement, marked Allegro, starts with a strong statement from the piano and horn together, followed by an introduction on the piano, before the work really opens up with the horn playing the melodic theme. The pianist is busy with their part, as it's riddled with sixteenth notes in the beginning. and later on in the work. The second movement, Larghetto, is tender and sweet. The horn has a very warm, attractive melody that showcases the beauty of the instrument. In the final movement, Allegretto, the horn starts immediately with thematic material, which the piano then responds to. When the horn enters again, it is on lively arpeggio triplets, which are a nice contrast to the earlier line, as are the fast lines later on in the piece. This work is tuneful, and it is satisfying to hear the horn away from where we normally hear it, in orchestral or band music.

Here is a recording of this work for you to enjoy!

Michael Thompson