Gian Maria Bonino, piano

Programme:

J. Haydn: Variations in F minor, Hob. XVII:6 »Un piccolo divertimento«
J. Haydn: Sonata in E flat major, Hob. XVI:52
L. van Beethoven: Sonata in C major, Op. 2 No. 3
L. van Beethoven: Sonata in F minor, Op. 57 »Appassionata«

Acclaimed Italian pianist and harpsichordist Gian Maria Bonino studied piano at the conservatories of music in Milan and Lucerne with, respectively, Lydia Arcuri and Myeczislaw Horszowski, after which he gained a diploma in harpsichord at the conservatory of music in Genoa (with Alda Bellasich) and a further diploma in piano at the conservatory of music in Winterthur (Switzerland). His concert activities include solo recitals, performances as a member of chamber ensembles and performances as a soloist with a variety of noted ensembles throughout Europe. For this presentation of works from the Classical piano repertoire he will play the “Anonymous on Johann schanz model” fortepiano built in 1803, by one of five Viennese piano makers of the early 19th century. This instrument is a six-octave fortepiano with metal strings and what is known as a Viennese action. One of the best models ever built, it was in use in the era of the composers whose music makes up the concert programme and whose fondness for Schanz’s instruments is well documented in their letters.

Piano description

The Anonimous from Schanz model 1803 is a 6 octaves piano Viennese model with iron strings, viennese action and bone keyboard.It’s 240cm long and is the type of piano must used in that period by Haydn, Beethoven and represents the top size model for that period. The Broadwood grand 1845 n.16504 is a small piece of history. This piano was rented in Novembre 1845 by the General Jablonski, old friend of Fryderik Chopin, during his staying in London. This piano was rented to allow Chopin practicing while he was in London, and for that reason then was bought by Charlotte Stuart Canning, dame of company of the Queen Victoria, and then bought by Lindsay Sloper, a pupil of Chopin in London’s days. This piano is published on the book of Jean Jude “Pleyel,l’Histoire d’un siècle” which speaks about Chopin’s instruments.

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