About this Release
“When I started recording this series in 2010 I had only a very vague idea of the journey ahead. Christopher Hogwood had just completed editing the first two volumes of his Bärenreiter edition. I will be forever grateful to Christopher for his generosity in allowing me access to these early pre-publication copies... When I look back at the countless emails I sent him (and his wonderful right-hand musicologist on the project, Ryan Mark), detailing possible inconsistencies in the notation, I marvel at our combined tenacity. Only those who are passionate about getting things right would spend so much time investigating the options. Yes, I think we were all Koželuch ‘nuts’ and proud of it!” — Kemp English
KOŽELUCH, LEOPOLD (1747–1818)
Complete Keyboard Sonatas • 12
Nos. 47–50
- Kemp English, fortepiano
This is the final volume of Kemp English’s pioneering world première recording of Leopold Koželuch’s complete solo keyboard sonatas. It is played, once again, on appropriate authentic instruments and charts just how profoundly Koželuch’s style changed over the decades, from the charming early Sonata No. 47 for harpsichord to the three late romantic sonatas. The virtuosic Sonata No. 49, with its pedal effects and extended compass, shows techniques derived from the English Piano School and in the final sonata he encapsulates to perfection the sound world of early nineteenth-century Vienna.
This recording was made on period instruments:
Original harpsichord by Longman and Broderip (built by Thomas Culliford), 1785 (tracks 1–2);
Original grand fortepiano by Joseph Kirckman (London), c. 1798 (tracks 3–7);
Original grand fortepiano by Johann Fritz (Vienna), c. 1815 (tracks 8–9)
Tracklist
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Piano Sonata in E-Flat Major, P. XII:42 () (00:08:54 )
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1
I. Adagio * (00:06:15)
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2
II. Allegro * (00:02:33)
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Piano Sonata in B-Flat Major, P. XII:43 () (00:18:17 )
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3
I. Adagio maestoso - Allegro molto * (00:11:57)
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4
II. Rondeau: Allegretto * (00:06:19)
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Piano Sonata in A Major, P. XII:44 (after 1810) (00:20:17 )
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5
I. Allegro * (00:08:51)
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6
II. Andante sostenuto * (00:04:14)
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7
III. Rondeau: Allegretto * (00:06:52)
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Piano Sonata in E Minor, P. XII:45 (after 1810) (00:15:57 )
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8
I. Adagio - Allegro molto con fuoco * (00:09:39)
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9
II. Larghetto - Rondo: Presto * (00:06:16)
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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. Reviews
“Kemp English performs all on beautiful period instruments. He sounds inspired and I cannot fault his performances in the least.” – Gapplegate Classical-Modern Music Review
Also Available
Grand Piano has gained a reputation for producing high quality recordings of rare keyboard gems. Dedicated to the exploration of undiscovered piano repertoire, the label specialises in complete cycles of piano works by many lesser-known composers, whose output might otherwise have remained unknown and unrecorded.
- info@grandpianorecords.com
