Adagio (after Haydn)
Muzio Clementi (1801)
Description
This piece reworks a slow, singing melody attributed to Haydn for teaching purposes within Clementi's method. Rather than technical challenge, it asks the player to focus on legato phrasing and breath between phrases. Its brief span makes it a compact study in Classical-era balance and the expressive shaping of a simple line.
A piano method Clementi published in 1801, comprising 50 lessons that arrange famous Baroque and Classical works for solo piano.
Sheet Music
Sheet music provided by Mutopia Project
About the Composer
Muzio Clementi (1752-1832)
Muzio Clementi was born in Rome and moved to England while still young, building a career in London as a pianist, composer, and instrument manufacturer. Often called the "father of the pianoforte," he wrote the study collection Gradus ad Parnassum and numerous sonatinas that remain staples of piano pedagogy. This site includes 36 of his pieces, including variations on nursery tunes and short works based on themes by Haydn and Mozart.
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