KOŽELUCH, LEOPOLD (1747–1818)

Complete Keyboard Sonatas • 8

Nos. 29–32

Kemp English, fortepiano

For forty years the Bohemian composer Leopold Koželuch produced a sequence of keyboard sonatas that some commentators preferred to those of his great contemporary, Mozart. The four sonatas on Volume 8 exemplify Koželuch’s vitality and expressive breadth. Sonatas Nos. 31 and 32, published in the year of Mozart’s death, are notable for their exploration of new technical devices and a daring harmonic palette worthy of Clementi.

This recording was made on a period instrument: Fortepiano by Paul Downie (NZ), after Anton Walter (c. 1795)

Tracklist

Piano Sonata in G Major, Op. 30, No. 2, P. XII:30 (1789) (00:16:34 )

I. Allegro (00:07:47)

II. Andante (00:02:46)

III. Rondeau: Allegretto (00:05:37)

Piano Sonata in C Minor, Op. 30, No. 3, P. XII:31 (1789) (00:16:41 )

I. Largo - Allegro - Largo (00:10:58)

II. Rondeau: Allegretto (00:05:42)

Piano Sonata in F Major, Op. 35, No. 1, P. XII:32 (1791) (00:16:50 )

I. Allegro (00:07:35)

II. Adagio (00:02:48)

III. Rondeau: Allegretto (00:06:29)

Piano Sonata in A Major, Op. 35, No. 2, P. XII:33 (1791) (00:19:15 )

I. Allegro (00:09:28)

II. Adagio (00:04:31)

III. Rondo: Allegro (00:05:26)

World Première Recording

Total Time: 01:09:07

The Artist(s)

Kemp English is one of New Zealand’s leading concert performers. Much in demand as a solo organist, collaborative pianist, and specialist fortepiano exponent, he relishes the opportunity to work in a diverse array of styles and periods. He enjoyed a distinguished studentship at the Royal Academy of Music in London and later completed a Master of Arts degree in Music Performance at the University of York. In 2001 he was elected an Associate of the Royal Academy of Music—an honour recognising former students of the Academy who have achieved distinction in the profession.

The Composer(s)

Leopold Koželuch was an esteemed contemporary of Mozart, and in many circles considered the finer composer. He was an early champion of the fortepiano and his Keyboard Sonatas are a treasure trove of late eighteenth-century Viennese keyboard style, including perfect examples of the form and foreshadowing Beethoven and Schubert.