Scarlatti and Clementi: Keyboard Sonatas
John McCabe (1939-2015) was renowned as both a pianist (a Haydn specialist and supporter of many contemporary composers) and as a composer in his own right of very fine music in several genres.
This double album was created from two vinyl LPs issued by Hyperion in 1981 and shows McCabe as a first-class interpreter of the baroque and early classical sonata styles, here brought together.
Domenico Scarlatti, an exact contemporary of Handel and JS Bach though living a few years longer, is probably the most renowned and certainly the most prolific of composers of the (usually single movement) keyboard sonata, more traditionally played on harpsichord. A hundred years later, pre-eminent among others, Clementi developed the classical piano sonata, introducing sustain and other dynamic effects available to the fortepiano, being produced by his family company among others. Both sets of works also translate very well to the modern concert grand.
Track Listing
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Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757):
- Sonata in G major, K.105 (5:23)
- Sonata in G minor, K.426 (5:39)
- Sonata in D minor, K.517 (2:54)
- Sonata in D major, K.490 (6:22)
- Sonata in F minor, K.69 (3:28)
- Sonata in F major, K.518 (4:39)
- Sonata in E major, K.28 (3:39)
- Sonata in E major, K.215 (5:43)
- Sonata in C major, K.133 (5:14)
- Sonata in G major, K.259 (5:08)
- Sonata in G minor, K.43 (3:02)
- Sonata in C major, K.460 (6:45) Muzio Clementi (1752-1832):
- Piano Sonata In G minor, Op. 50 No. 3 ("Didone Abbandonata") - I. Largo patetico e sostenuto - Allegro ma con espressione (9:02)
- Piano Sonata In G minor, Op. 50 No. 3 ("Didone Abbandonata") - II. Adagio dolente (6:04)
- Piano Sonata In G minor, Op. 50 No. 3 ("Didone Abbandonata") - III. Allegro agitato e con disperazione (5:32)
- Piano Sonata in F major, Op. 33 No. 2 - I. Adagio - Allegro con fuoco (7:59)
- Piano Sonata in F major, Op. 33 No. 2 - II. Presto (3:51)
- Monferrine, Op. 49 - No. 4 in C major (1:52)
- Monferrine, Op. 49 - No. 3 in E major (1:54)
- Monferrine, Op. 49 - No. 12 in C major (2:34)
- Piano Sonata in D major, Op. 40 No. 3 - I. Adagio molto - Allegro (10:40)
- Piano Sonata in D major, Op. 40 No. 3 - II. Adagio con molto espressione (4:08)
- Piano Sonata in D major, Op. 40 No. 3 - III. Allegro (4:53)
Reviews
“The performances here are excellent. McCabe, showing a great affinity for Clementi’s piano sonatas, uncovers astonishing new realms of beauty.The accompanying notes by the composer’s widow lift this recording out of the stack of new releases with which we are all inundated and into the realm of something special.
” —David Reznick
“[McCabe’s] gifts as interpreter at the keyboard were very much equal to his abilities as composer. It is evident that McCabe delights in this piano music yet never indulges, electing for efficient lines and tasteful embellishment, reflective of both style and substance with accuracy and intellectual rigour.
” —Adam Sherkin
“There can be no greater tribute to the artistry of John McCabe. When I hear his performances of Clementi (or Haydn, Ravel, or any number of other composers), I feel as if I am compelled to truly listen to the piece in question, noting all of its details. McCabe’s performance makes a serious case for the piece (Didone Abbandonata) as a worthy companion to Beethoven’s sonatas.. This is the mark of a great musician.
” —Richard Masters
“John McCabe gives lively, loving performances of Scarlatti and Clementi – playing the latter with special feeling for a still underappreciated figure.
” —John Allison
“Wonderful to see John McCabe finally being recognised as a pianist. McCabe’s use of sustaining pedal and generous sound offer a full-fat experience… an indispensible release.
” —Colin Clarke
“Mostly wonderful: McCabe does not overdo his pedal use, performs each work with care and clarity, and does not make the pieces sound as if they belong in the Romantic era. McCabe’s pianism on these works certainly stands the test of time – and, for that matter, so does the sound, which has greater warmth and richness than did most digital recordings from this time period. McCabe’s sensitivity to the music’s structure and his willingness to downplay the piano sound rather than emphasize it lead to a highly enjoyable listening experience.
”
“The whole set is a stunner and well worth having. McCabe with his fingers sings, we mentally and musically dance along and we are all the better for it. Strongly recommended for the repertoire and performances! Bravo!
” —Grego Edwards
“Nearly two hours of exquisite playing. Crystal clear articulation, gentle touch, and a very judicious use of pedals. McCabe makes this seem as easy as child’s play. (Five stars and rated ‘extraordinary’)
” —Rafael de Acha
“Played with a studied balance between flair, rhythmic freedom and a characteristic attention to detail. The finale [of Didone] fair takes one’s breath away; it is amazingly played by John McCabe. Pleasure from the first note to the last.
” —John France
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