Thread: Muzio Clementi

Thought the guy deserved his own thread. After all, this is the man who wrote the theme to Marriage of Figaro Overture before Mozart did (Mozart would later bash Clementi's compositional talents). Not to mention that just about every beginner pianist learns at least one of his sonatinas.

So thoughts, opinions, favorite works?

I think it was the main theme of the Magic Flute Overture not Marriage of Figaro.
Clementi's preciousness lies in him being the basis for the post-mozart Beethoven.

Originally Posted by ScipioAfricanus

I think it was the main theme of the Magic Flute Overture not Marriage of Figaro.

Sorry, right you are.

I saw his gravestone in the cloisters of Westminster Abbey a few weeks ago.

I apologize if there is already a Clementi thread.

A highly prolific composer, and consistently of high quality. He was the Haydn of the piano sonata. He out live Beethoven. There is a fusion of romanticism, classicism, and baroque in his late compositions that makes them true masterpieces.

Didonne Abandonata, his magnum opus sonata
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H9la7mF_YXE

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZbLH...eature=related

He also wrote a few fantastic symphonies. Four late ones and two early ones. My favorites are the last of the late and the second of the early.

Another favorite sonata
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tGEy5cw_XL4

He could really get down with the piano.

Any other clementi lovers or people interested in getting to know more other than the sonatinas out there?

Supposedly, Mozart disliked Clementi. I've enjoyed some of his piano works played by Demidenko, Horowitz, and Michelangeli. I thought his symphonies were forgettable.

Originally Posted by Vaneyes

Supposedly, Mozart disliked Clementi. I've enjoyed some of his piano works played by Demidenko, Horowitz, and Michelangeli. I thought his symphonies were forgettable.

The most overrated Clementi sonata is the B flat one that everyone plays, its alright, but people need to stop focusing on that one. Now the F sharp minor, op 25, that's a work of art.

For a skeptic such as yourself, I'd recommend symphony op 18 no. 2 in D major. This symphony really has a punch to it. The later symphonies are highly contrapuntal, and somewhat academic in spots, and grander, but they are far better than what other composers of the time were doing and are truly unique, they deserve to be studied at the very least. The man knew what he was doing very well.

As for Mozart disliking Clementi, Chopin had little respect the music of Schumann, and Tchaikovksy little for Brahms. Mozart was particularly critical of Clementi's piano performance technique, since Clementi was the greatest virtuoso of the time in raw technique, but Mozart attacked him for a lack of musicality. He was originally a harpsichordist, whereas Mozart learned on a clavichord so it makes sense that he would be critical of a lack of sensitivity. But did you know that the theme from the B flat sonata of Clementi's was used later by Mozart in the overture to the Magic Flute? I always find that funny. Plus Mozart hated all Italians.

Originally Posted by clavichorder

Plus Mozart hated all Italians.

Can you qualify that a little, please?

The record label Brilliant Classics (i.e. budget priced) has been releasing a project of Clementi's complete piano sonatas played by Costantino Mastroprimiano on fortepiano, if anyone is interested to know.

I've practiced some etudes from Gradus ad Parnassum and have found them more valuable than many other methods. I think it's still one of the best ways - for even professional pianists - to improve technique correctly. But not only for technical matters, I like Clementi's piano music even in his short and easy Sonatinas. Besides, I think there is not so important that Mozart didn't like Clementi or Debussy didn't like Beethoven and so on ... It's the Music and only the Music that is important, if it's a masterpiece or worthwhile, whether the composer is Mozart or Clementi, Beethoven or Debussy ...

Originally Posted by Vaneyes

Supposedly, Mozart disliked Clementi. I've enjoyed some of his piano works played by Demidenko, Horowitz, and Michelangeli. I thought his symphonies were forgettable.

Michelangeli's recordings are really delightful! I agree.

Just listen to Clementi. Who cares what Mozart thought. Give him half the attention you give a modern composer and you'll get into him for sure.

I'm going to get tired of arguing with people on here really fast, just listen to my links and try to ignore how annoying I am. Tell me what you think of the Clementi links I've provided if you would be so kind. And if they grab you just a little, keep listening to more Clementi and you'll get the Clementi bug just you can with any other great composer.

I suggest playing Clementi yourself. Get a book of sonatas.

Additionally, there is a channel with reliable recordings on youtube by Howard Shelley. The channel is something like Magicdondino.

I'm curious about this Michelangeli recording, because I think Demidenko makes a virtuosic circus out of them and plays too fast and watery. Many of the works are like Beethoven condensed, with elements of Scarlatti, and generic classicism, thus there is more musically going on and they need to be played at a slower tempo with more drama and punch, less flower pianism. Horrowitz is often too sloppy with them.

Originally Posted by clavichorder

Plus Mozart hated all Italians.

That was just in the movie! I like Clementi's piano works alright, but still prefer Haydn , Mozart, and Beethoven. But hey it's good to sometimes to listen to the lesser known composers.

A little bit watery and over technical http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_qB9_o0t_tY, and an more routine early sonata. I suppose I'll check out the CD. He sounds great on the fortepiano but these recordings on youtube are not my favorite, fortepiano has so much capability for speed punch and these are a little too careful http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IER6u...feature=relmfu that one is the same as my early one.