Art of the Viennese Fortepiano

Sylvia Berry, one of North America’s leading exponents of historical keyboard instruments, reveals how the five-octave Viennese fortepiano of the late 18th century inspired Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven at different points in their lives. For Haydn, it was a later revelation, while for Mozart, it became his preferred concert instrument as a young man. For Beethoven, it was the first piano he encountered. Program includes Mozart’s Fantasia in C minor, K. 475; Haydn’s Sonata in E-flat major, Hob. XVI: 49; and Beethoven’s “Moonlight” Sonata.