Clementi: Sonatas Op.1 & Op.1A

Carlo Alberto Bacchi

PCL 10284

Known as the ‘father of the pianoforte’, Muzio Clementi (1752–1832) played an incomparable role in the development of both piano repertoire and the instrument itself. As a composer and virtuoso pianist, his sonatas spanned the transition from Scarlatti’s keyboard style to the beginnings of the Romantic period; as a publisher and manufacturer, he was responsible for a number of developments to piano performance and construction.

This new recording presents the Sonatas Op. 1 and Op. 1A. The Sonatas Op. 1 all have a simple, playful and light-hearted character; they are divided into two movements and are all in the major key; the minor key is only touched upon in a few brief transitional moments. The instrumental writing is still simple, harpsichord-like, the first steps of a young and aspiring composer.

The Sonatas Op. 1A date from ten years later and are a rework of musical material from Op. 1. Their character remains very similar to that of the Sonatas op. 1, but in a much more pianistic guise: the instrumental writing is much fuller than in op. 1, with four-tone chords in the right hand and octave doubles in the left, completely alien to the harpsichord world.

Carlo Alberto Bacchi, born in 2001, began studying piano at the age of 9 with Sara Bertani. Since 2018, he has been studying with Roberto Prosseda, whose student he is currently at the 'Francesco Venezze' Conservatory in Rovigo. He has participated in various masterclasses with masters such as Carlo Guaitoli, George Vatchnadze, Boris Berman, Bruno Monsaingeon and Roland Pöntinen.

Works:

•Clementi: Sonate für Klavier Es-Dur op. 1 Nr. 1
•Clementi: Sonate für Klavier G-Dur op. 1 Nr. 2
•Clementi: Sonate für Klavier B-Dur op. 1 Nr. 3
•Clementi: Sonate für Klavier F-Dur op. 1 Nr. 4
•Clementi: Sonate für Klavier A-Dur op. 1 Nr. 5
•Clementi: Sonate für Klavier E-Dur op. 1 Nr. 6
•Clementi: Sonate für Klavier F-Dur op. 1a Nr. 1
•Clementi: Sonate für Klavier B-Dur op. 1a Nr. 2
•Clementi: Sonate für Klavier G-Dur op. 1a Nr. 3
•Clementi: Sonate für Klavier A-Dur op. 1a Nr. 4
•Clementi: Sonate für Klavier a-moll op. 1a Nr. 5

CD x 1

Piano Classics

10/2/23

5029365102841