After the successful performance of the Fantastic Dances op. 22l with the Tokyo City Philharmonic Orchestra under the direction of Ken Takaseki in 2016 (which was attended by the Japanese imperial couple), René Staar again accepted a commission from the pianist Izumi Tateno, this time for a piano sonata for the left hand.

The composition of the Sonata for piano left hand op. 22l bis was completed in June 2018.