William Sterndale Bennett (1816–1875) came from a musically inclined family. His grandfather, John Bennett (1754–1837), was a professional church singer in Cambridge. His father, Roberts Bennett, was also a musician. William was named after William Sterndale, who wrote verses for Roberts Bennett's songs. After the early loss of his parents, his grandparents in Cambridge took over his upbringing and fostered his musical education.
As a child, Bennett sang in the King's College Chapel Choir and two years later began studying violin and piano at the Royal Academy of Music in London, later adding composition to his studies.[2] At the age of ten, he was accepted into the Academy and quickly developed into an outstanding piano soloist.[1][2]
Bennett admired Mozart and followed the London piano school. His first piano concerto in D minor, composed in 1832, impressed with its sophisticated form and showed clear influences of Mozart.[3] He also skillfully incorporated characteristic keys and stylistic devices in his second symphony and other works. The successful use of Neapolitan and dramatic elements lent his music originality.
His second piano concerto in E-flat major, Op. 4, testifies to increasing self-confidence and greater thematic diversity. The heightened technical demands thrilled audiences. The third piano concerto in C minor achieved great acclaim in London and Leipzig and was performed several times to positive reviews.
Bennett's third piano concerto demonstrated his compositional development, particularly the delicate balance between the influences of Mozart and Bach. The composer surprised audiences with his innovative use of the piano in the dominant and his thoughtful development. The Romantic style reached its climax in the finale and the lyrical romance, eliciting great enthusiasm from the audience.
The vibrant interplay between soloist and orchestra, particularly in the third concerto, demonstrates how Bennett approached the traditions of his time with fresh impetus. His capacity for innovative structures is evident in the lightness and sophistication of his works, which left a lasting impression on the audience.