LEOPOLD KOŽELUCH (1747–1818)
COMPLETE KEYBOARD SONATAS • 12
KEMP ENGLISH
“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
Piano Sonata No. 50 in E minor, P. XII:45
(1747–1818)
About this Recording
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.
Historical instruments used in this recording
LONGMAN & BRODERIP (London).
Made by Thomas Culliford,
July 1785.
(London), c.1798.
(Vienna), c.1815.
TOTAL PLAYING TIME: 63:30
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.
“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)
“Delightful music, essayed with clarity and elegance” – MusicWeb International on Vol. 3 (GP644)
“Kemp plays these wide-ranging piano works with such an amazingly rich palette of colours and so awesomely” – www.klassik.com ★★★★ on Vol. 7 (GP731)
