Haydn Sonata 35

[emmas_dad]

I once heard the Haydn "Sonatina" in C major in the Schirmer "Sonatina Album" referred to as a sonata. The sheet music available for download here lists that piece as Sonata 35, HOB. 16, but I've seen Sonata 35 Hob. 16 listed elsewhere as the Sonata in A flat.

Does anyone know if this sonatina is really a sonata, and if so, what is its number?

Thanks!

[nilsjohan]

The Sonata numbering used by modern publishers is not the same as Hoboken's numbering. The numbers in Piano Street's database is Hoboken numbers only.

Sonata no 35 in A flat major, Hob XVI:43
www.pianostreet.com/piano_sheet_music/Haydn-1912/Sonata-Hob-16-43-A-flat-Major.html

Sonata no 48 in C major, Hob XVI:35
www.pianostreet.com/piano_sheet_music/Haydn-458/Sonata-Hob-16-35-C-Major.html

[faulty_damper]

Hoboken XVI is the category number for the sonatas.  The number after the sonatas category (e.g. Hob. XVI:35) is the individual catalog number for that specific sonata.

Here are some category numbers:
Hob I = Symphonies
Hob III = String Quartets
Hob XVI = Piano Sonatas
Hob XVII = Piano Pieces

The term "sonatina" was and still is used to describe pieces that are of easy technical requirements often collected in a book, hence the "Sonatina Album" issued by Schirmer and other publishers.  It is often for pedagogical use of the instruction of young children.

It may be referred to as a sonatina in the album but should be referred to as a sonata.

[emmas_dad]

Thank you! I've been playing a sonata all this time and didn't even know it. You've both made my day!

Thanks for clearing up my confusion re the Hoboken numbering, too!