Description

Muzio Clementi, one of the most renowned pianists of his era, composed fundamental pedagogical works for the piano and a total of 63 solo piano sonatas. Notably, he even engaged in a contest with Mozart and emerged victorious. Clementi's last solo piano sonata, Didone abbandonata, dates back to 1821. The sonata's subject matter - the tale of Dido, who was abandoned by Aeneas and expressed her grief through mourning, despair, and ultimately, raving madness - was exceptionally popular, inspiring countless operatic, solo, and instrumental adaptations since the 17th century. The sonata's performance instructions are as numerous as they are unconventional, symbolizing Dido's intense emotionality.