In 1938 the Moravian-born Hugo Kauder (1888–1972) became one of the many Jewish musicians forced to flee Vienna into exile in the United States. Kauder’s music reflects his Viennese heritage, with his generous output of chamber music in particular continuing the tradition of Brahms, not least in its depth of feeling and dignity of manner. These four sonatas, early works balancing youthful passion and mature emotion, launch a series intended to recover the work of a composer who himself might fairly be classed as another Viennese master.