Muzio Clementi, born in Rome in 1752, spent most of his life abroad, like many other significant Italian instrumental composers of his time.
Performer Biography
Vittorio De Col, the pianist on this recording, graduated with top honors from the "G. Verdi" Conservatory in Milan, where he also taught piano.
Composition History
All of Clementi's Trios, usually titled 'Sonatas' and grouped in threes, are dedicated to women, possibly wealthy pupils of the composer, suggesting a didactic purpose.
Compositional Technique
In Clementi's Trios, the piano consistently takes the main role, with the cello reproducing the left-hand part and the violin (with more freedom) the right-hand part.
Composition History
Clementi's Trios for piano, violin (or flute), and cello were composed between 1788 and 1796, primarily for high-level amateur musicians.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Clementi was a virtuoso of his instrument, exploring its technical and expressive resources in a way no one had before him.
Composer Biography
Clementi became a renowned pianist after moving to England as a child, under the patronage of Sir Peter Beckford, who heard him play harpsichord in Rome.
You might also enjoy...
Mozart, W.A.: Piano Trios / Divertimento in B-Flat Major
Clementi: Piano Trios, Opp. 29 and 35
Mozart: Trio Sonatas, K. 10-15 & Divertimento, K. 245
