Mozart’s esteemed contemporary and rival, Leopold Koželuch, was an early champion of the fortepiano. His keyboard sonatas are a treasure trove of late 18th–century Viennese style, representing perfection of form and foreshadowing Beethoven and Schubert. Kemp English, one of New Zealand’s leading artists, performs on copies of 1795 fortepianos and original instruments from the 18th and early 19th centuries, bringing the entire cycle of Koželuch’s 50 keyboard sonatas to life for the first time in a recorded format.

Listen to
Piano Sonata No. 9 in C Major, Op. 8, No. 1 – Allegro molto

PIANO SONATA NO. 9 IN C MAJOR, OP. 8,
NO. 1, P. XII:5 (1784) (18:03)
1 I. Allegro molto (04:47)
2 II. Adagio cantabile (06:39)
3 III. Rondeau (03:44)
4 IV. Rondo: Andante (alternative version) (02:53)

PIANO SONATA NO. 10 IN F MAJOR, OP. 8,
NO. 2, P. XII:4 (1784) (23:50)
5 I. Allegretto maestoso (05:36)
6 II. Poco adagio (04:48)
7 III. Menuetto (04:40)
8 IV. Aria con variatione (alternative version) (08:46)

PIANO SONATA NO. 11 IN E FLAT MAJOR, OP. 10,
NO. 1, P. XII:15 (1784) (18:04)
9 I. Allegro molto (08:06)
10 II. Andante (05:41)
11 III. Allegretto (04:17)

TOTAL TIME: 59:54

Kemp English is one of New Zealand’s leading keyboard performers. Much in demand as a solo organist, collaborative pianist and specialist fortepiano exponent, he displays an easy versatility across a diverse range of styles and periods. His solo CDs showcase him both as a fortepianist and concert organist, while the discs he has recorded with violin duo partner Robin Wilson explore repertoire that ranges from easy–listening to mainstream classical.

www.kempenglish.com