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Performer / Ensemble
Fabio Menchetti (Piano)
Date of Publication
3-26-2021
Document Type
Concert
Abstract / Program Notes
The first piano sonata in C minor op. 4, written in 1828, is one of the least performed works of Chopin, a piece that I define “in a state of neglect.” A live performance in 2010, celebrating the bicentenary of Chopin’s birth, piqued my interest in this sonata. Despite the attempt to bring it to the attention of the audience, the sonata did not gain any reconsideration. Unfortunately, this piece has been object of prejudiced criticism and lack of investigation from both scholars and performers, who generally label it as an immature work. An in-depth study of the work reveals a different perspective. This sonata does not merely distance itself from other works Chopin composed in the same period, but displays an organic unity and a structural solidity equaling those of the two later piano sonatas. Chopin’s unique ideas are evident throughout the four movements: in the structural peculiarities of the Allegro Maestoso and its contrapuntal writing, the unusual order of the movements, the grace of the Minuet, the 5/4 meter and the fluctuating rhythmic figures of the Larghetto, and the virtuosic Finale. These elements and the overall explosive creativity of the sonata make the piece a first-rate work in Chopin’s catalogue, and it is my wish that Chopin’s first piano sonata will become standard repertoire, gaining the interest of audiences and pianists.
Biography
A native of Lucca, Italy, Fabio Menchetti serves as Assistant Professor of Piano at Washington State University, while maintaining an active international performance career. Dr. Menchetti has been teaching piano in many diverse settings, from Italian junior high schools to American universities. As a Teaching Assistant, he taught at Houghton College, and at College-Conservatory of Music, University of Cincinnati. He won the CCM Excellence in Teaching Award for the best doctoral Teaching Assistant and, after completing his doctorate, he returned to CCM as a visiting instructor of piano and piano pedagogy. As an advocate for contemporary music, Dr. Menchetti enjoys bringing new music to life. He performed several works by Sarah Hutchings, and he collaborates with English composer Peter Seabourne, recording the fourth volume of his monumental collection of solo piano pieces (Libro di Canti Italiano – Steps vol. 4), a CD published by Sheva Collection. For the same label, he also recorded a CD with violinist Ruggero Marchesi, Novecento Italiano, featuring music for violin and piano by Italian composers written between the two world wars. As an active member of MTNA and CMS, he participates in numerous conferences, presenting at the New York State School Music Association – Annual Conference in Rochester, at the 9th Annual North Kentucky Piano Pedagogy Conference, at the Ohio MTA Southwest District Meeting, and at Ball State University for the 9th Piano Pedagogy Symposium. After completing his studies in Italy, he received his MA from Houghton College, and his DMA from University of Cincinnati.
Keywords
Chopin, sonata
Description
25-minute performance
Chopin's First Piano Sonata, op. 4: A Work in a State of Neglect
The first piano sonata in C minor op. 4, written in 1828, is one of the least performed works of Chopin, a piece that I define “in a state of neglect.” A live performance in 2010, celebrating the bicentenary of Chopin’s birth, piqued my interest in this sonata. Despite the attempt to bring it to the attention of the audience, the sonata did not gain any reconsideration. Unfortunately, this piece has been object of prejudiced criticism and lack of investigation from both scholars and performers, who generally label it as an immature work. An in-depth study of the work reveals a different perspective. This sonata does not merely distance itself from other works Chopin composed in the same period, but displays an organic unity and a structural solidity equaling those of the two later piano sonatas. Chopin’s unique ideas are evident throughout the four movements: in the structural peculiarities of the Allegro Maestoso and its contrapuntal writing, the unusual order of the movements, the grace of the Minuet, the 5/4 meter and the fluctuating rhythmic figures of the Larghetto, and the virtuosic Finale. These elements and the overall explosive creativity of the sonata make the piece a first-rate work in Chopin’s catalogue, and it is my wish that Chopin’s first piano sonata will become standard repertoire, gaining the interest of audiences and pianists.