The Classical style, broadly speaking, describes music composed in the middle and latter half of the 18th century. Three prime figures stand out in the piano music of this period – or, by rights, four, because Muzio Clementi (1752-1832) is often forgotten, overshadowed by three contemporaries who just happened to be Haydn, Mozart and Beethoven. And while some concerns in playing and interpretation are common to them all, others are specific to each individual’s remarkable musical voice.
‘In Haydn, if you decide to add ornamentation, the possibilities are limitless – and your only limit should be your taste’ -Jean-Efflam Bavouzet Haydn: sparkle and soul
Jean-Efflam Bavouzet has recorded a series of Haydn’s keyboard sonatas (on Chandos), revelling in the composer’s sparkle, wit, soulfulness and inventive flair. He has considered in…