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See Terms & Conditions for p&p rates. | |  | Clementi - Piano Sonatas
Mozart dubbed him 'mere mechanicus' and with that musical curse, Clementi was, for long, doomed to piano student exercises and the occasional sonata movement for examinations. Yet, he had a remarkable career in London, where he settled for most of his life and was fiscally in far better shape than Mozart, with whom he once competed. One of the first pianists to change the Clementi trend was American-born Lamar Crowson, best known as pianist with The Melos Ensemble of London. In 1968 he recorded two LPs of Clementi Sonatas for L'Oiseau-Lyre and this is their first release on CD. In more recent times, several present-day pianists have championed his sonatas. "Lamar Crowson plays splendidly. He is accurate, fleet of finger, as expressive as the music allows and always decisive ... Clementi clearly has a powerful advocate in Mr. Crowson." Gramophone. | | | In stock - usually despatched within 1 working day. |
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| | | |  | Clementi - Complete Piano Sonatas Volume 3
Clementi: | Piano Sonata in B flat major, Op. 13 No. 4 Piano Sonata in F major, Op. 13 No. 5 Sonata in F minor, Op. 13 No. 6 Piano Sonata in C major, Op. 20 Piano Sonata in F major, WO3 Sonata in E flat Major, Op. 23 No. 1 Sonata in F Major, Op. 23 No. 2 Sonata in E flat Major, Op. 23 No. 3 Sonata in F Major, Op. 24 No. 1 Sonata in B flat Major, Op. 24 No. 2 |
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 “The third volume of Howard Shelley's invaluable survey of Clementi piano sonatas confirms every expectation. Once more you are left to marvel at his unfailing brilliance and musicianship, qualities that can lift and enliven even the most predictable and mechanical gestures.
There may be possible thefts from Mozart (who disliked Clementi) and prophecies of Beethoven but, more generally, 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 Classical Music Guide, 2010 | | | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. |
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| |  | Clementi - Piano Sonatas
Originally born in Rome, Clementi made his home in England having at the age of 14, found a wealthy patron in the form of Sir Peter Beckford, who took the boy to his country estates at Fonthill Abbey. It was here that Clementi began his composing career. As well a composer he was partner in a firm of piano manufacturers and also started his own company of music publishers. Whilst in Vienna in 1781, it was Clementi who took part in the famous piano duel alongside Mozart and in the presence of Emperor Joseph II. | | | (also available to download from $10.50) | Usually despatched in 2 - 3 working days. (Available now to download.) |
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| |  | Clementi: Five Piano Sonatas
Albert Wong was aged 11 at the time of the recording in 2001. | | | Usually despatched in 4 - 5 working days. |
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| |  | Clementi: Sonatas for the Pianoforte
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| |  | Sonate, Duetti & Capricci - Vol. 8
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| |  | Clementi On Clementi
One of the top pianists of the last century, Peter Katin presents five of the keyboard sonatas by Muzio Clementi. These works were recorded in Peter Katin’s own studio on an 1832 Clementi square piano, restored by Andrew Lancaster. “Rarely have I heard an early piano played with such sensitivity to atmosphere and with such magical tonal variety. He also makes a glorious sound, underpinned by a seamless cantabile that glows throughout like an iridescent pearl.” BBC Music Magazine, April 2006 ***** | | | (also available to download from $10.50) | Usually despatched in 4 - 5 working days. (Available now to download.) |
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