The Complete Piano Sonatas, vol 3

Howard Shelley’s series of Clementi’s piano sonatas is receiving great critical acclaim and is increasing popular interest in this under-recorded composer. The sonatas in the present volume date from the period just after Clementi’s adventures in Europe of 1780–83 that included an unfortunate and well-known confrontation with Mozart, and a protracted stay in Lyons. Clementi moved back to London and there had a considerable reputation as a performer, composer and teacher. His playing was praised, among other things, for its ‘novel freedoms in tempo and dynamics in the service of heightened expression’ and those qualities are noticeable in the works recorded here.

GRAMOPHONE RECOMMENDS

'The third volume of Howard Shelley's invaluable survey of Clementi piano sonatas confirms every expectation. Once more you are left to marvel at his unfailing brilliance and musicianship, qualities that can lift and enliven even the most predictable and mechanical gestures … Every finger-twisting challenge is met with effortless ease, energy and grace, and Hyperion's sound is, as usual, of demonstration quality' (Gramophone)

'Shelley is a stunning advocate for the inventive, progressive and fully mature piano works by this underated composer … The best to date … Clementi is a keyboard master of the highest order. The Adagio of the Second Sonata is a brilliant example of Shelley's finely chiselled tone, and dare I say that nobody can equal him in the last Presto movements of the opus 13 sonatas. This is what the record industry should be: A library of discoveries, where you stumble on unknown works played to perfection by a master pianist. What more could one wish for?' (Pianist Magazine)

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Recording details: October 2008; St Silas' Church, Kentish Town, London, United Kingdom; Produced by Annabel Connellan; Engineered by Ben Connellan; Release date: April 2009;