The German born Friedrich Kuhlau is one of the main figures in early Danish romanticism. In 1811 he settled in Copenhagen where he established himself as a successful pianist, composer and court chamber musician. In addition to his stage works, which enjoyed considerable success Kuhlau left songs and chamber music, with a particular emphasis on compositions for the flute. The three Sonatas for Flute and Piano, Op. 83, works of considerable virtuosity written in a cosmopolitan yet personal style reflecting the influence of Mozart and Beethoven, earned for Kuhlau the tile of ‘the Beethoven of the flute’.