Visit the piano Clementi & Co. of the Masia d’en Cabanyes
On Saturday May 18, 2019, Marina Rodríguez Brià presented a thematic lecture-visit at La Masia d’en Cabanyes in Vilanova i la Geltrú. The activity was framed within the events of the International Day of Museums and was organized by the Manuel de Cabanyes Romanticism Interpretation Center (Garraf County Council) and the Muzio Clementi Association of Barcelona (AMCB).
The lecture, entitled 1820 London-Vilanova. A Clementi piano on a liquor boat, focused on the explanation of the Clementi & Co cabinet piano that was acquired in London in 1820 and that is preserved in the Museum. In the first part of the session, held in the lecture room, Marina Rodríguez explained some aspects that would relate the biographies of Muzio Clementi and Josep Anton de Cabanyes (who bought the piano in 1820) and gave details of the pianos of the time and, in particular, of the one that is kept in the house. He also spoke about the way in which the goods traveled and the routes that linked northern Europe with the Mediterranean. In the second part, the audience moved to the music room where Marina finished her presentation before the piano. To finish it opened a small turn of words with the public, who was very interested in the session.
The AMCB carries out a search and classification project of Clementi pianos in Catalonia to provide knowledge about the musical influence of this great composer in Catalan society. At the same time, this research includes the study of pianos of other local or foreign brands that can be found in Catalonia from the end of the 18th century to the mid-19th century. The objective is to give value to a heritage that can explain many elements related to the industry and the development of society in our country.
