Select Genre

Classical Music

Jazz and Blues

Nostalgia

Contemporary Instrumental

World Music

AudioBooks

Relaxation Music

Essentials

New Releases

Featured Label

Recently Added

Critics' Picks

Composers

Artists

Exclusive Samplers

Virtual Box Sets

Highlights

Audiophile Albums

Listening Guides

Lifestyle Compilations

200 Naxos Essentials

Featured Series

Most Downloaded

New Labels

Podcasts

Gift Certificates

Search Options

Music Browser

Advanced Search

Subscribe to our
Newsletter

Your feedback, please.
Please feel free to send your comments or suggestions to our Customer Service.

Classiscsonline Home » Composers » K » Kuhlau, Friedrich

Friedrich Kuhlau (1786 - 1832)

Born near Hanover, Kuhlau settled in Denmark in 1810 as a pianist and composer, winning an important position in Danish music of the period and a reputation as a concert pianist. Much of his music was destroyed in a fire in 1832.

Stage Works

Kuhlau’s operas and incidental music show contemporary French and German influences in the age of Weber. His incidental music for Elverhøj (‘The Elf Hill’) was written in 1828 for royal wedding celebrations and makes use of Danish folk-melodies.

Chamber Music

In addition to his piano quartets and violin sonatas, Kuhlau left a larger quantity of music for the flute, an instrument he himself did not play. These compositions satisfied a contemporary demand and retain a place in present flute repertoire.

Discography