9B CLEMENTI IN LICHFIELD

2pm performance: SOLD OUT.  Additional 10.30am performance now available – see EVENT 9H or call 01543 306271

Muzio Clementi, known as the ‘Father of the Pianoforte’, was an Italian-born English composer, pianist, music teacher, conductor, music publisher, piano and instrument manufacturer, successful business man and a founder member of the London Philharmonic Society of London (which became the Royal Philharmonic Society). Amongst his pupils were Johan Baptist Cramer, Ignaz Mocheles and John Field. He was Beethoven`s friend and mentor and was publisher of Beethoven`s music in England. He came to live in Lichfield from 1828 until the end of 1831 and `officially` retired in 1830. Muzio Clementi was buried in Westminster Abbey with a public funeral.

Why did he retire to Lichfield and what connection did he have with the City?

This interesting story about his life and accomplishments – interspersed with a ‘demo’ on an original 1825 Clementi square piano  (from the Finchcocks Piano Museum collection) – ends with a modern arrangement of a Clementi piece on acoustic violin and Clementi Piano.