Clementi & Field

[thalbergmad]

Indeed i have been reading an interesting book on the life of Field and his music.

I had read before that Clementi had treated Field little better than a slave, but it now appears that he did introduce him to certain members of the Russian nobility, that ensured his future success and put him in charge of his Piano Warehouse in St Petersberg. In addition, whilst Clementi was tight fisted with Field, he was no more generous with himself and would always do his own washing whilst in St Petersberg, to avoid charges from the local linen ladies. This is rather incredible as at this time, Clementi was remarkably rich.

Field in later life appears to have been totally the reverse and would throw his concert fee's on the floor of his apartment, which much to his amusement was often eaten by his dog. On another occasion, he lit his cigar with a 100 Rouble note that had been given to him after a concert.

I think Clementi has received some bad press about his relationship with Field, so over 170 years after his death, i think we should give him a break.

Thal

[ahinton]

Indeed i have been reading an interesting book on the life of Field and his music.

I had read before that Clementi had treated Field little better than a slave, but it now appears that he did introduce him to certain members of the Russian nobility, that ensured his future success and put him in charge of his Piano Warehouse in St Petersberg. In addition, whilst Clementi was tight fisted with Field, he was no more generous with himself and would always do his own washing whilst in St Petersberg, to avoid charges from the local linen ladies. This is rather incredible as at this time, Clementi was remarkably rich.

Field in later life appears to have been totally the reverse and would throw his concert fee's on the floor of his apartment, which much to his amusement was often eaten by his dog. On another occasion, he lit his cigar with a 100 Rouble note that had been given to him after a concert.

I think Clementi has received some bad press about his relationship with Field, so over 170 years after his death, i think we should give him a break.

Thal

Probably so - and, for the record, some things do change, at least to the extent that the present writer would never throw his commission cheques or royalty payments on his floor, even though he does not have a dog that might otherwise consume them...

Best,

Alistair

[daniloperusina]

I read somewhere that Clementi was very in love with this woman, but it all ended with her father refusing the marriage because he thought artists were scumbags with no sense of responsibility etc. Clementi was so hurt that he apparantly became this bitter 'responsible' person for the rest of his life..

[thalbergmad]

I think that artists/composers/pianists were often thought of scumbags in the 18th/19th Centuries.

Reading the next chapter of my book, it appears that Field actually attended Clementi's funeral in London. Whilst he did happen to be in England at the time and had made no special journey, if he held any grudge against his former teacher it is doubtful if he would have attended.

Unfortunately, he was very ill at the time himself and only outlived his teacher by some 5 years.

I feel a bit sorry for poor old Field, as apart from the Nocturnes he does appear to be a little neglected. Some of the Sonatas and Concertos (especially 2nd and 5th) appear to warrant a place in the regular repetoire. They were certainly popular in their day.

Thal

[iumonito]

Probably so - and, for the record, some things do change, at least to the extent that the present writer would never throw his commission cheques or royalty payments on his floor, even though he does not have a dog that might otherwise consume them...

Best,

Alistair

Well, Alistair, perhaps it is because you have imaginative left-hand patterns in your nocturnes.



Plus, you are in England, ergo you shall do as Clementi rather than Field, niet?

[rc]

I think that artists/composers/pianists were often thought of scumbags in the 18th/19th Centuries.

I read in Uncle Johns bathroom reader (taught me everything I know) that it wasn't considered wrong to kill travelling musicians in the middle ages.

Life was simpler back then.

[thalbergmad]

And shorter

[rc]

They probably didn't kill the good musicians