The five sonatas on this disc were composed by Haydn in the years 1784-1790, a period in which he turned to the piano as his keyboard instrument of choice. They are an early reflection of the distinct keyboard style associated with his late piano sonatas and trios.

Thomas Sauer, praised for his “eloquent pianism” by The New York Times, is active as a recitalist, chamber musician and teacher. He is a member of the Mannes Trio, and collaborates frequently with such noted artists as Midori and the Juilliard String Quartet and Brentano String Quartet. He currently serves on the faculties of the Mannes College of Music and Vassar College, and is co-artistic director of Chamber Music Quad Cities.