Gili Loftus, the fortepiano player, has expertise in fortepiano, modern piano, and harpsichord, which informs her unique playing style.
Cultural Impact
Until the late 19th century, women were not expected to play wind, low string, brass, or percussion instruments, a restriction whose effects are still seen today.
Composer Biography
Heinrich Baermann, a virtuoso clarinetist, was trained by Josef Beer, a key figure in clarinet development who held high-paying positions at prestigious courts.
Instruments
Gili Loftus plays a copy of a Viennese fortepiano from 1820-1840, inspired by instruments from Conrad Graf and Ignaz Bösendorfer, made by Rodney J. Regier in 2000.
Instruments
Maryse Legault plays a copy of a Heinrich Grenser clarinet from around 1810, made by Laura Schönherr in 2015.
Performer Biography
Maryse Legault, the clarinetist on this album, is one of the only Canadian women performing on period clarinets.
Historical Context
The early 19th century was a turning point for instrument making and musical innovation, with the clarinet asserting its role as a soloist in the Classical repertoire.
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Horovitz: Sonatina for Clarinet and Piano: II. Lento, quasi andante
