Carlo Alfredo Piatti: A Practice-led Investigation into his Cello Sonatas

Abstract

While his 12 Caprices Op.25 for solo cello have taken their place in the standard repertoire, many of Piatti’s other compositions have remained relatively neglected. His six sonatas for cello and piano, composed towards the end of his lifetime, were the primary inspiration for this project. Using a process of practice-led research, this project explores selected movements from Piatti’s Sonata Op.28 and the Sonata Idillica Op.31 and uses them as a vehicle for the exploration of the author’s creative processes during preparation. Paying reference to the many facets that inform a player in their preparation of a work including musical instinct, past experiences and education, and the influence of recordings, this project also explores the learning and implementation of new skills specifically in the area of Historically Informed Performance (HIP). The project is accompanied by Lecture Recital documenting both the processes and the outcomes.