LEOPOLD KOŽELUCH (1747–1818)
COMPLETE KEYBOARD SONATAS • 9
KEMP ENGLISH
“It is tempting to think that Koželuch became a little complacent after some thirty-odd piano sonatas, but nothing could be further from the truth. The pianistic triumph that is Sonata 36 marks a steady coming of age for the pianist/composer. Indeed, all three of the opening movements to the sonatas that make up Op. 38 no longer pander to the dilletante, instead, they consistently forge ahead with a technical wizardry worthy of Mr ‘mechanicus’ himself, Muzio Clementi. And yet, just as Mozart’s calumny of Clementi has been called into question, Koželuch’s fireworks are not simply vapid note crunchings, but a serious engagement with patterns and technical challenges that pave the way for Beethoven’s finger defying challenges. After such intensity, the little harpsichord sonata No. 37 comes as a welcome blast from the past; an after dinner mint of perfect proportions.”
– Kemp English
Sonata in F Minor, Op. 38, No. 3, P. XII:37
(1747–1818)
About this Recording
Some contemporaries in Vienna judged the Bohemian Leopold Koželuch an even finer composer than Mozart. He was especially esteemed for his mastery of the keyboard sonata, couched in the “high-Classic” style, which are amongst the most important of their time. In this volume, the early Sonata No. 37, full of beautiful simplicity, is contrasted with the Sturm und Drang vehemence of Sonata No. 36. Expansive slow movements in Sonatas Nos. 34 and 35 reveal endless cantabile beauties.
TOTAL TIME: 74:59
KEMP ENGLISH
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.
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The music proves vivacious and soulful, and English’s playing is always engaging, often brilliant and sometimes electrifying.”
– BBC Music Magazine ★★★★★ (on Vol. 5, GP646)
