A native of Rome, Muzio Clementi was ‘discovered’ by the wealthy Beckford family of Dorset in England, where the foundations for a distinguished international professional...

A native of Rome, Muzio Clementi was ‘discovered’ by the wealthy Beckford family of Dorset in England, where the foundations for a distinguished international professional career as a composer and performer were laid. Clementi’s legacy to pianists was a significant one, introducing new virtuosity and exploring the possibilities of a recently developed instrument in an ever-changing society. The Op.1sonatas reflect the style of Haydn in the early 1770s, while the Opp.10and 12sonatas convey Clementi’s own dexterity as a pianist, including displays of his signature rapid thirds in both hands.

REVIEW:

There is so much more to Clementi than his well loved Sonatinas. This programme shows the development of Clementi’s style from the earlier Op 1 Sonatas to the Op 10 &12, written 12 or more years later. An enjoyable collection of this early English piano repertoire.

-- Lark Reviews