Nights of Queluz 2026
Raúl da Costa - The Awakening of the Piano
Discover the original sound of the Clementi fortepiano at the National Palace of Queluz in this recital by Raúl da Costa. A journey through Clementi, Beethoven and John Field revealing the birth of the Romantic piano idiom, bringing new life to a historic instrument in the space for which it was conceived.
The Awakening of the Piano
From the luminous Classicism of Muzio Clementi to the early Romantic soundscapes of John Field, by way of Beethoven's transformative force, this recital traces a defining moment in the history of the piano. Moving between the formal elegance of the sonata and the intimate expressiveness of the nocturne, the programme reveals how the instrument developed a new musical language—freer, more poetic and profoundly personal.
Performed on the historic Clementi fortepiano from the collection of the National Palace of Queluz, this recital restores the instrument to the purpose for which it was conceived: making music. Its transparent tone and the delicate responsiveness of its action allow audiences to rediscover a repertoire written for a piano very different from the modern instrument, bringing us closer to the sound world that shaped the transition from Classicism to Romanticism and transforming historic heritage into a living element of musical interpretation.
Raúl da Costa (fortepiano)
PROGRAMME:
- John Field (1782-1837): Three Nocturnes (selection)
- Muzio Clementi (1752-1832): Sonata in A major, Op. 16, La Chasse
- Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827): Piano Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 2, No. 2
- Muzio Clementi (1752-1832): Monferrinas (selection)
- Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827): Piano Sonata No. 7 in D major, Op. 10, No. 3
What's Included
- Admission to the concert venue from 20:30 pm.
- Concert at 9.00 pm.
Additional Information
- Recommended for audiences aged 6 and over.
- Late admission is not permitted.
- Tickets cannot be exchanged or refunded except in the event of a change of date or cancellation.
- Please plan your journey in advance according to your chosen means of transport to ensure you arrive on time.
Getting there
- The National Palace and Gardens of Queluz are located at the following coordinates: 38º 45’ 1.46” N 9º 15’ 28.40” W.
- Public transport: Approximately a 15-minute walk from the Palace, the “Queluz – Quatro Caminhos” stop is served by Carris Metropolitana bus routes 1717, 1601, 1530 and 1602. Route no. 1513, operated by the same company, stops directly in front of the Palace.
- Private vehicle: On the IC19 (between Lisbon and Sintra), take the “Queluz-Palácio” exit.
- Parques de Sintra’s responsibilities are limited to the parks and monuments under its management. The company is not responsible for external circumstances, namely access routes and transport to the sites.
Nights of Queluz 2026
- Artistic Director: Massimo Mazzeo
- Promoter: Parques de Sintra
- Partner: Divino Sospiro
- Support: Sintra Municipality
- Media Partner: Antena 2