Description

Muzio Clementi: Complete Piano Works Box Set Vol. 2 (CDs 10-18) | Classical Music Collection

Product Information

UPC: 600554752020
Product Type: Classical Music CD Box Set
Genre: Classical
Format: 9-CD Box Set (Volume 2 of Complete Piano Works)
Catalog Number: ARTS 47520-2
Release Date: 1999
Publisher: ARTS Music
Performer: Pietro Spada (Piano)
Conductor: Jerome Cohen
Orchestra: Radio Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava)

Overview

This comprehensive 9-CD box set represents the second volume (CDs 10-18) of Muzio Clementi's complete piano works, masterfully performed by Pietro Spada. The collection showcases Clementi's significant contribution to piano literature, including his innovative sonatas, charming sonatinas, and the pedagogical works that established him as one of the most influential figures in piano composition and technique development. This volume features works from his middle and late periods, including the popular Op. 36 Sonatinas and selections from his monumental "Gradus ad Parnassum." The high-quality performances capture the elegance, technical brilliance, and historical significance of these compositions, making this collection essential for classical music enthusiasts and scholars alike.

Product Features

Comprehensive Collection: 9 CDs containing over 10 hours of music
Complete Works: Part of the definitive Clementi piano works edition
Historical Value: Features pieces spanning multiple opus numbers and compositional periods
Renowned Performer: Interpreted by Clementi specialist Pietro Spada
Authentic Interpretation: Historically informed performances
High Sound Quality: Professional studio recordings
Detailed Booklet: Includes information about the compositions and performer
Box Set Packaging: Durable case with attractive design by Maria Cristina Sala

CD Contents and Running Times

CD 10: Sonata Op. 26, Sonatas Op. 33 Nos. 1-3, Sonata in F Major (64:34)
CD 11: Sonatas Op. 34 Nos. 1-2, Capricci Op. 34 Nos. 3-4 (61:39)
CD 12: Sonatinas Op. 36 Nos. 1-6, Sonatas Op. 37 Nos. 1-3 (79:43)
CD 13: Sonatas Op. 40 Nos. 1-3, Sonata Op. 41 (78:20)
CD 14: Sonata Op. 46, Capricci Op. 47 Nos. 1-2 (66:52)
CD 15: Sonatas Op. 50 Nos. 1-3 (71:19)
CD 16: Various Works including Black Joke WO2, Mr. Collick's Minuet WO5, and other rare compositions (67:31)
CD 17: Duettinos, Canone per Cherubini WO29, Toccata Op. 11, Musical Characteristics Op. 19 (60:47)
CD 18: Fantasy with Variations "Au clair de la lune" Op. 48, 12 Monferrine Op. 49, selections from Gradus ad Parnassum Op. 44 (69:42)

Interesting Facts

Muzio Clementi (1752-1832) was an Italian-born composer who spent most of his professional life in England, where he became known as the "Father of the Piano." More than just a composer, Clementi was a multifaceted musical entrepreneur who influenced the development of piano technique, composition, and even piano manufacturing.

The Op. 36 Sonatinas included in this collection (CD 12) are perhaps Clementi's most widely performed works today, remaining staples of piano pedagogy for their perfect balance of technical challenges and musical charm. They have been used to teach generations of pianists for over two centuries.

Clementi's "Gradus ad Parnassum" (Steps to Parnassus), represented on CD 18 with selected studies, was a monumental collection of 100 exercises and pieces designed to develop a complete piano technique. This work had enormous influence on future composers, including Beethoven, who greatly admired Clementi's work. In fact, Clementi and Mozart once engaged in a famous piano "duel" before Emperor Joseph II in 1781, cementing Clementi's reputation as one of the greatest keyboard virtuosos of his time.

The collection features numerous works with the designation "WO" (Without Opus), which refers to compositions that were discovered after Clementi's death or were not assigned opus numbers during his lifetime. These pieces provide valuable insights into Clementi's compositional development and often showcase his more experimental side.