Sylvia Berry: The Art of the Viennese Fortepiano

As a special addition to Haydn’s Vienna, the Oklahoma Baroque Orchestra is delighted to present a solo fortepiano recital by the renowned Sylvia Berry. With a career dedicated to historical performance, Berry is celebrated not only for her virtuosic playing but also for her ability to illuminate the rich cultural and musical context of the 18th century.

The five-octave Viennese fortepiano of the late 18th century was a pivotal inspiration for composers such as Marianna Martines, Haydn, Mozart, and Beethoven, who all came to it at different points in their lives. For Martines and Haydn, both born during J.S. Bach’s lifetime, it was a later revelation. For Mozart, raised at the harpsichord and clavichord, it became his preferred concert instrument as a young man. For Beethoven, this was the first piano he encountered, and for which he composed many major works. This program celebrates the inspiration they all found in…