Hélène de Montgeroult (1764 - 1836) was a remarkable female composer and pianist of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Born in Lyon , she spent some years in Paris studying with Hüllmandel, Dussek and later with Clementi, making acquaintances with the most notable Pari sian salons of the time, and becoming one of the leading figures of the aristocratic world. Her fame increased just bef ore the beginning of the French Revolution. Being married to the Marquis André Marie Gautier de Montgeroult, and being h erself of noble d escent, she lost some of her fortune during the Terror period and, despite supporting the Revolution in the first years , some sources indicate that she escaped the guillotine by improvising at the fortepiano some variations on La Marseillaise before the Revolutionary Tribunal. In 1795 the new Conservatoire de Musique was founded, and Montgeroult was appointed as first - clas s piano teacher, being the first woman to teach there.
While her work and contributions were largely overlooked during her lifetime, she is now recognized as a significant figure in the history of piano music. One of her most notable achievements is her co llection of piano sonatas, which showcases her unique musical voice and virtuosity.
Montgeroult's piano sonatas embo dy the spirit of the Classical era while also pushing the boundaries of traditional composition. Her compositions feature intricate and expr essive melodies, rich harmonies, and innovative use of form. She displayed a deep understanding of piano technique, incorporating challen ging passages and elaborate ornamentation into her works. Each sonata tells a story, evoking a range of emotions from j oy and exuberance to introspection and melancholy.
Played on a Haselmann fortepiano dating from the first decade of the 19th century by Simone Pierini. Born in Rome in 1996, Pierini began studying music at the age of eight. Aged eighteen, he graduated in piano at S. Cecilia Conservatory of Music, Rome, with highest honors, and consequently took part in masterclasses and post - graduate courses. He afterwards grew interest in historically informed piano practice, attending masterclasses led by Alexei Lubimov, Andreas Staier, Tobias Koch, Stefano Fiuzzi. Subsequently, his interest about historical keyboards in general gr ew further, and he began studying harpsichord and basso continuo with such teachers as Andrea Coen and Giovanni Togni. His debut CD with music by Cherubini was very positively received by the press.
