Sonatinas, Op. 36

(Schirmer Performance Editions). Pedagogical in nature, these editions offer insightful interpretive suggestions, pertinent fingering, and historical and stylistic commentary. Muzio Clementi (1752-1832), a renowned piano teacher in his day, is today best-known for this set of six Sonatinas, Opus 36. It is a tribute to their inherent musical appeal that, after two centuries, almost anyone who has studied piano knows one or more of these small gems. In these short, sparkling works, all attention is directed to the most basic pianistic concepts: precise phrasing, evenness of touch, dynamic control, and rhythmic vitality.