Dedicated listeners of classical music would generally not think of Ireland as the birthplace of a very gifted composer. Germany, Austria, Great Britain, France, and Italy would surely come to mind first. However, for those who love great piano music, the works of Chopin and Liszt or the works for piano by composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Brahms should find plenty to enjoy in the works of Irish composer John Field.
Field was born in Dublin on July 26, 1872 and died in Moscow on January 23, 1837, roughly a contemporary of Beethoven. His work was significant in that he openned up the potential of the piano as an instrument for composition developing forms that would be explored much further by future composers as demonstrated by his nocturnes, sonatas, and concertos paving the way for major works by romantic composers.
Though born in Ireland, Field would move with his family to London at the age of nine. As a young teen, Field served as an apprentice to pianist and piano builder, Muzio Clementi. While working with Clementi, his work received praise from Franz Josef Haydn.
Field continued his association with Clementi touring Paris and Vienna in 1801 demonstrating Clementi's pianos. In 1806, John Field settled in Russia to establish his performing career splitting his time between Moscow and St. Petersburg.
By 1831, Field had secumb to severe cancer travelling back and forth between Moscow and London for treatment. By 1835, Field had settled permanently in Moscow added by an aristocratic family continuing his composing until his death the following year.
Excellent, critically aclaimed recordings of Field's work are available featuring the superb performances by pianist Benjamin Frith for the Naxos label. The following recordings are highly recommended for all classical music and piano lovers.
Piano Music, Volume 1: Nocturnes & Sonatas (Frith), Naxos: 8.550761
Piano Music, Volume 2: Nocturnes & Sonatas (Frith), Naxos: 8.550763
Piano: Concertos Nos. 1 and 3 (Frith, Haslam), Naxos: 8.553700
Piano: Concertos Nos. 2 and 4 (Frith, Haslam): Naxos: 8.553771
Piano: Concertos Nos. 5 and 6 (Frith, Haslam): Naxos: 8:554221
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