When Zinck's sonatas first appeared in print in 1783, the leading European critics praised them for “their interesting melodic style, highly developed turns of phrase, great diversity of musical ideas unified into one great sonata style far removed from the routine, and finally, very descriptive tone-painting, [which] elevate them and make them worthy of the approval of connoisseurs”. Zinck followed C. P. E. Bach in promoting the use of the clavichord, but his music works equally well on the piano or fortepiano. This G minor sonata would provide a welcome novelty either in a recital programme or as teaching material.

The first movement is on the ABRSM piano syllabus 2017-2018, Grade 8.

“The score of this later work immediately attracts the eye with its diverse figurations and rhythmic interest. Like the Fasch sonata [HH385.SOL], each movement has contrasting textures. Zinck dazzles both eye and ear with the interplay of two-handed motivic textures in the first movement, and the Adagio con espressione displays idiosyncratically beamed dotted notes, which appear to be a clear indication of articulation.” 

Penelope Cave, The Consort | Read the review

 Music example (pdf)