Description
John Field, a pupil of Muzio Clementi, was renowned in his day as a celebrated pianist, credited with near-legendary skill. The Irish piano virtuoso and composer is principally known for his "Nocturnes," a genre later adopted by Chopin; yet his four piano sonatas in this volume also deserve the highest respect. Since no autographs of the sonatas survive, this Henle Urtext edition has consulted all the important prints issued during Field's lifetime as its primary source. Copies with extensive handwritten annotations by the composer have served as the editorial team's main reference. Editor Robin Langley's preface provides valuable information about the sources of the sonatas, addresses questions concerning rhythmic execution, and places Field's work in the historical context of piano music of his era, making this edition especially valuable.
