The Father of Piano: Muzio Clementi
by Fanny Po Sim Head, Interlude If you are a pianist, you probably have heard of Clementi and played his six piano sonatinas, Op.36. Indeed, Clementi was one of the most influential classical keyboard composers in music history. I was introduced to his piano sonatas years ago and have been drawn to his composition since then. Still, in addition to his composition, Clementi contributed his adventurous life to the musical world in many ways. Background as an Organist and Performer Muzio Clementi Born in 1752, Italian composer Clementi showed his musical talent at an early age. Not only did he begin composing and writing an oratorio at the age of 13, but he was also hired as an organist of the parish church of San Lorenzo in Dámaso. However, he didn’t work for the church for a long time. Instead, in 1766, he was taken to England by Sir Peter Beckford. The following seven years, Clementi stayed at one of Beckford’s estates, Stepleton House, where he gave his first public...