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Edition of Carlo Ignazio Monza: Pièces Modernes pour le Clavecin

This publication makes Monza’s Pièces Modernes pour le Clavecin available in a modern critical edition for the first time. Monza’s pieces offer an intriguing picture of keyboard performance in northern Italy. In idiom and notation they are strongly influenced by French style, while their content is broadly European. Passed off in the 18th century as the work of Pergolesi, Monza’s pieces remained largely unknown until Stravinsky employed two in his neo-classical ballet, Pulcinella. Apart from a facsimile edition (1986) the pieces have remained unperformed and unavailable in a reliable modern edition.

In addition to a full critical commentary and an introductory essay, this edition provides a detailed discussion of the performance practice of the music and the author’s world premiere recording of nineteen pieces from the edition co-produced by Deux-Elles Classical Recordings (also included as a portfolio item). A bespoke calligraphic font was created for the printing of the book and the recording uses a temperament based on contemporary practice. This tuning system is publicly available via the author’s website: http://homepage.ntlworld.com/terence.charlston/temperaments.htm

The edition and CD demonstrate the interaction of political and geographical factors in the evolution of keyboard music in northern Italy. They present a convincing aural case for the use of single-manual harpsichords of Italian design in eighteenth century music. The CD also explores how French musical style was being adopted in northern Italy at a time when French authors were arguing over the merits of the wholesale import of Italian music to France.

As a co-production between publisher and recording company, the edition includes the author’s recording as an insert. Both the edition and the CD are available worldwide through the international distribution of both companies. Selections from the recording have been broadcast on radio in the UK and abroad.