Clementi: Keyboard Sonatas & Fantasia con variazioni

Muzio Clementi’s legacy to pianists is recognized as highly significant for his introduction of a new virtuosity and exploration of the possibilities of the then recently invented fortepiano. His three Sonatas, Op. 23 were published in London in 1790, their style reflecting Haydn’s tremendous popularity in th city at that time. The later Sonata, Op. 34 offers more dramatic contrast, sparkling with chains of thirds, handcrossing and much use of octaves, comparable resources also being explored in the Fantasia con variazioni on the familiar song ‘Au clair de la lune.’