"This album offers a mixture of works from 1780 that exemplify Koželuch’s growing stature as a pioneer of the late eighteenth–century Viennese classical sonata. Sonatas Nos. 5 and 7, in A and D major, are beautiful examples of melodious and superbly crafted works, the kind of compositions William S. Newman described as "Models of Classic perfection in form, line and fluency". While the Sonata No. 6 in C minor, with its groundbreaking and recurring tragic–pathetic slow introduction, gives us a tantalising foretaste of Mozart’s C minor Fantasie (1785) and Beethoven’s Pathetique Sonata (1798/99). Rounding off the volume, the Sonata No. 8 in F major "La Chasse", frames an exquisite set of variations with two virtuoso outer movements." – Kemp English

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Leopold Koželuch, an eminent contemporary of Mozart and at the time considered by many to be the superior composer, was one of the first champions of the fortepiano, and his compositions for the instrument enshrined the highest qualities of Viennese style. Composed over nearly four decades his sonatas show progressive development, embracing lyrical melodies, delightful harmonic shifts, and foretastes of Romantic drama. They can be judged worthy to stand alongside those of Haydn, Dussek, Clementi and Mozart, and as a precursor to those of Beethoven.

Piano Sonata in A Major, Op. 2, No. 2, P. XII:12 *
1 I. Moderato (06:26)
2 II. Andante (06:00)
3 III. Allegretto (04:11)

Piano Sonata in C Minor, Op. 2, No. 3, P. XII:13
4 I. Largo - Poco presto (08:40)
5 II. Allegretto (03:45)

Piano Sonata in D Major, P. XII:14 *
6 I. Allegro moderato (05:36)
7 II. Menuetto (06:52)
8 III. Rondo: Allegro (03:43)

Piano Sonata in F Major, Op. 5 *
9 I. Allegro molto (05:02)
10 II. Andante con variazioni (04:41)
11 III. Rondeau: Presto (03:12)

TOTAL TIME: 61:56

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. His solo CDs Schwammerl, Kemp English at the Fortepiano and the Stormin’ Norma trilogy, showcasing the magnificent Dunedin Town Hall organ, have all met with widespread critical acclaim at home and abroad and feature regularly on Radio New Zealand, the ABC, BBC Radio, Classic FM UK and USA radio networks. His collaborative discs with violin duo partner Robin Wilson have been equally well received. 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, in recognition of his performing and teaching career. Four years later, after more than a decade as Executant Lecturer in fortepiano, organ and harpsichord performance at the University of Otago, he made the decision to free-lance and concentrate on his increasingly hectic performing and recording career. He continues to tour Australasia and Europe as both a solo and collaborative performer.

www.kempenglish.com