Cello Sonata No. 1 (Saint-Saëns)

The Cello Sonata No. 1 in C minor, Op. 32, is a cello sonata composed by Camille Saint-Saëns in 1872. Dedicated to the French cellist Jules Lasserre, the sonata was premiered on 7 December 1872 at the Société nationale de musique in Paris, with Auguste Tolbecque on cello and the composer at the piano.

The work is composed of three movements: Allegro, Andante tranquillo sostenuto, and Allegro moderato. Known for its dramatic character and emotional depth, the sonata is often interpreted as a reflection of the composer's personal struggles and the historical events of the time, such as the Franco-Prussian War and the Paris Commune. The demanding and highly virtuosic writing for both instruments quickly earned the sonata a place in the concert repertoire, with numerous notable performances in the years following its premiere.

Stylistically, the sonata is reminiscent of Beethoven's music, particularly in its thematic construction and interconnection, as well as its choice of the key C minor. However, the work stands out among Saint-Saëns's chamber music output for its excitingly dramatic and unusual character, lacking the audience-pleasing traits often found in his other compositions.