NUM 1110
Title: VariaçõesArtist: Maria José Souza Guedes
Composers: João Domingos Bontempo, Fernando C. Lapa, Robert Schumann
João Domingos Bomtempo (1775-1842)
Fantasia op. 6 for piano
João D. Bomtempo began his career as a composer, as a pianist and as a teacher in Paris and in London, two of the most famous European musical centers of his time. There, between 1801 and 1814, he became acquainted with the greatest classic piano and symphonic works, which undoubtedly influenced his future development as an interpreter and as a composer.
Reviews of those days confirm that he had a notorious international career. A considerable number of “premières” of his works were played and edited in Paris and in London.
Fantasy op. 6 was probably written in 1811 in London. It belongs to the variation form and it is based on a theme by one of the Paisiello’s well-known arias, which is developed into five variations.
The Introduction and the Fantasy (the last movement of this piece) are also inspired by the same theme.
The best-known Portuguese composer of the early nineteenth century proves how easily he can move within the limits of piano literature of his time. He absolutely masters the classical language, in what concerns form, contents, variation technique and musical grammar.
Although he uses a freer construction in the Fantasy, according to the spirit of that so-called musical form, there is an evident balance and deep sense of proportion throughout the whole work.
Of course Bomtempo still doesn’t dare to undertake here the bold musical gestures of his future Requiem. But as far as harmony and form are concerned, this Fantasy is an example of luminous clearness.
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Classical & Contemporary Music 