Jean Rondeau, harpsichord
Gradus ad Parnassum
FUX | Harpeggio |
HAYDN | Piano Sonata No. 31 in A-flat major, Hob XVI-46 |
CLEMENTI | Selection from Gradus ad Parnassum, Op. 44 No. 45 – Preludio Andante malinconico in C minor |
BEETHOVEN | Prelude No. 2 in C major, Op. 39 |
MOZART | Piano Sonata No. 16 in C major, K. 545 Rondo in A minor, K. 511 Fantasia No. 3 in D minor, K. 397 |
ENCORE: | |
C.P.E. BACH | Excerpt (Andante movement) from an unidentified keyboard sonata |
Heir to a France-based harpsichord tradition that reaches back to Wanda Landowska, Jean Rondeau has been called “one of the most natural performers one is likely to hear on a classical music stage these days” (The Washington Post). At age 21, he became one of the youngest musicians ever to win first prize at the International Harpsichord Competition in Bruges, and he has since launched a career built on bold, unorthodox interpretations of canonic works, brought to thrilling life through the symphony of colors and textures he coaxes from his famously demanding instrument of choice. The title of Rondeau’s artfully curated recital references both a collection of compositions by Italian composer Muzio Clementi and a highly influential counterpoint lesson book by Austrian Baroque master Johann Joseph Fux; the program includes works by both composers, as well as music by Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven.