Howard Shelley’s series of Clementi’s piano sonatas is receiving great critical acclaim and is increasing popular interest in this under-recorded composer. The sonatas in the present volume date from the period just after Clementi’s adventures in Europe of 1780–83 that included an unfortunate and well-known confrontation with Mozart, and a protracted stay in Lyons. Clementi moved back to London and there had a considerable reputation as a performer, composer and teacher. His playing was praised, among other things, for its ‘novel freedoms in tempo and dynamics in the service of heightened expression’ and those qualities are noticeable in the works recorded here.
“Shelley's third volume (of six projected) makes abundantly clear that Clementi at best was an outstanding composer. He tempers the virtuoso finger-dexterity of the 'mechanicus' with sensitive expressiveness, including moments of wonderfully luminous half-pedalling, and meticulous balance to expose inner motifs. He's well served by lively and immediate recording.” BBC Music Magazine, May 2009 *****
“…it would be difficult to imagine all these works, whether slight or distinguished, given with greater skill, zest and affection. Every finger-twisting challenge is met with effortless ease, energy and grace, and Hyperion's sound is, as usual, of demonstration quality.” Gramophone Magazine, June 2009
“This is powerful, original music in its own right, not a mere anticipation of greater things to come. The adagio of Op 23, No 2, shows Clementi, who was called “the father of the pianoforte” on his gravestone, a master of the art of drawing riches from a three-note tag by subtle variations of harmony and texture. Even the pieces written to amuse the young lady pianists of London have striking energy.” Sunday Times, 28th June 2009 ***
“There are several gems in this collection, especially the Sonata in F minor Op 13 … the other sonatas here are also works of real quality and certainly worthy of comparison with the galant keyboard sonatas of Mozart and Haydn … Clementi’s sonatas have been neglected for too long: these are not mere
virtuoso showcases but works with a real sense of structure and motivic development, with an astonishing inventiveness of keyboard figurations and ideas, and with a melodic fecundity that never ceases to amaze. Shelley’s articulation is impeccable and the technical intricacies pose no challenges …
with performances of this commitment, with two discs for the price of one, immaculate sound from Hyperion and booklet notes by Leon Plantinga, this comes with the strongest recommendation” International Record Review
