Clementi's Sonatina Op. 36, No. 1 in C Major

Muzio Clementi was a great composer and pianist and is considered by many to be the "father" of composition for the pianoforte (the earliest version of the modern piano). He composed a great many sonatas and shorter/easier works called Sonatinas. Although his works are not frequently heard, and he has become somewhat of an obscurity, his music was certainly influential both directly through the musical form of the Sonata as well as indirectly through his influence on other composers.

This recording is of the first Sonatina in a set of six from Opus 36. It is in the key of C major and is a well-known work, especially for piano students.

I chose to record this work on a whim, after receiving the suggestion to record some Clementi from a visitor on my Facebook page - thank you Thirdy for the suggestion! I enjoyed recording this piece and hope that you will enjoy listening to my interpretation of this work.

You can download a copy of the selection as an MP3 or WMV by visiting my website, lisztonian.com or by subscribing to my free iTunes podcast. You may also use the embedded media player below (if available) to listen online.



Enjoy!
Jeremiah Jones

Serhiy Salov - Bachauer Concert Series

Last night I had a truly remarkable experience. I attended the Gina Bachauer concert series performance by Serhiy Salov. This was a unique experience because Serhiy performed his own transcription of Igor Stravinsky's famous Ballet - The Rite of Spring. In addition to this marvelous work, he performed a couple of pieces from Bach's The Musical Offering, Portions of Stravinsky's Petrouchka ballet, and a Chopin Nocturne (D-flat Op. 27 No. 2). For his encore piece her performed Brahm's Intermezzo 117.

The evening was amazing. Serhiy had a miraculous way of bringing out and enhacing the beautiful melodies, bitonalities, and expressions that can be found in Stravinsky's music. In addition to this, it was a thrill just to watch Serhiy perform - to see his hands dance above the keys! In fact, prior to the commencement of the program I was contemplating the transcriptions and thought to myself that the only part of the ballet work that would be utterly missing from the transcription would be the ballet, the dance, itself! However, as Serhiy began to play and as I watched his fingers move so elegantly, yet powerfully, over the keyboard, I realized that the dance was certainly not lost in the transcription. I could hardly dare to blink, for fear that I would miss the subtle and beautiful choreography of Serhiy's hands on the piano.

A truly amazing experience. Bravo Serhiy! Bravo!

Jeremiah Jones